NATIONWIDE MULTI FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
485BPOS, 1999-09-17
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<PAGE>   1

              As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
                                                       Registration No. 33-23905

================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D. C. 20549

                                    FORM N-4

                   REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES
                                   ACT OF 1933


                       Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 [x]


                     NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                           (Exact Name of Registrant)

                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                               (Name of Depositor)

                   ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
         (Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

        Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (614) 249-7111

     DENNIS W. CLICK, SECRETARY, ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
                     (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

       This Post-Effective Amendment amends the Registration Statement in
respect of the Prospectus, the Statement of Additional Information and the
Financial Statements.

       It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate
space):


[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
[X] on September 24, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
    previously filed post-effective amendment.


================================================================================


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<PAGE>   2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                     NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                     REFERENCE TO ITEMS REQUIRED BY FORM N-4

N-4 ITEM                                                                                              PAGE
<S>        <C>                                                                                        <C>
Part A     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS
    Item    1.  Cover Page................................................................................4
    Item    2.  Definitions...............................................................................5
    Item    3.  Synopsis or Highlights....................................................................8
    Item    4.  Condensed Financial Information..........................................................12
    Item    5.  General Description of Registrant, Depositor, and Portfolio Companies....................14
    Item    6.  Deductions and Expenses..................................................................16
    Item    7.  General Description of Variable Annuity Contracts........................................19
    Item    8.  Annuity Period...........................................................................26
    Item    9.  Death Benefit and Distributions..........................................................29
    Item   10.  Purchases and Contract Value.............................................................20
    Item   11.  Redemptions..............................................................................22
    Item   12.  Taxes....................................................................................33
    Item   13.  Legal Proceedings........................................................................39
    Item   14.  Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information.............................42

Part B     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
    Item   15.  Cover Page...............................................................................44
    Item   16.  Table of Contents........................................................................44
    Item   17.  General Information and History..........................................................44
    Item   18.  Services.................................................................................44
    Item   19.  Purchase of Securities Being Offered.....................................................44
    Item   20.  Underwriters.............................................................................45
    Item   21.  Calculation of Performance Information...................................................45
    Item   22.  Annuity Payments.........................................................................46
    Item   23.  Financial Statements.....................................................................47

Part C     OTHER INFORMATION
    Item   24.  Financial Statements and Exhibits........................................................88
    Item   25.  Directors and Officers of the Depositor..................................................90
    Item   26.  Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Depositor or Registrant...........92
    Item   27.  Number of Contract Owners...............................................................103
    Item   28.  Indemnification.........................................................................103
    Item   29.  Principal Underwriter...................................................................103
    Item   30.  Location of Accounts and Records........................................................105
    Item   31.  Management Services.....................................................................105
    Item   32.  Undertakings............................................................................105
</TABLE>



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<PAGE>   3





                     SUPPLEMENT DATED SEPTEMBER 24, 1999 TO

                        PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 1999 FOR

                       DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS

                                    ISSUED BY

                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                   THROUGH ITS

                     NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

THIS SUPPLEMENT UPDATES CERTAIN INFORMATION CONTAINED IN YOUR PROSPECTUS. PLEASE
READ IT AND KEEP IT WITH YOUR PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 1999 "APPENDIX A: OBJECTIVES FOR UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS"
LOCATED ON PAGE 40 OF YOUR PROSPECTUS IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:

NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST
Nationwide Separate Account Trust ("NSAT") is a diversified open-end management
investment company created under the laws of Massachusetts. NSAT offers shares
in the mutual funds listed below, each with its own investment objectives.
Shares of NSAT will be sold primarily to separate accounts to fund the benefits
under variable life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts issued by
life insurance companies. Effective September 1, 1999, the investment advisory
services previously performed by Nationwide Advisory Services ("NAS") were
transferred to Villanova Mutual Fund Capital Trust ("VMF"), an affiliate of NAS
and an indirect subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. The portfolio
managers for each of the Funds continue to manage the Funds after the transfer
to VMF.





                                    3 of 109


<PAGE>   4




                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                       Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts

 Issued by Nationwide Life Insurance Company through its Nationwide Multi-Flex
                                Variable Account

                   The date of this prospectus is May 1, 1999.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



This prospectus contains basic information you should know about the contracts
before investing.

Please read it and keep it for future reference.

THE FOLLOWING UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACTS:

NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST
    -  Capital Appreciation Fund
    -  Government Bond Fund
    -  Money Market Fund
    -  Total Return Fund

Purchase payments not invested in the underlying mutual fund options of the
Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account may be allocated to the fixed account.

The Statement of Additional Information (dated May 1, 1999) which contains
additional information about the contracts and the variable account, has been
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and is incorporated
herein by reference. The table of contents for the Statement of Additional
Information is on page 39.

For general information or to obtain FREE copies of the:

     - Statement of Additional Information;
     - prospectus for any underlying mutual fund; and
     - required Nationwide forms,

call:  1-800-243-6295
       TDD   1-800-238-3035

or write:
       NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
       P.O. BOX 182356
       COLUMBUS, OHIO 43218-2356

The Statement of Additional Information and other material incorporated by
reference can be found on the SEC website at:

                                   WWW.SEC.GOV

THIS ANNUITY IS NOT:

  -  A BANK DEPOSIT             - FEDERALLY INSURED

  -  ENDORSED BY A BANK OR      - AVAILABLE IN EVERY
     GOVERNMENT AGENCY            STATE

Investors assume certain risks when investing in the contracts, including the
possibility of losing money.

These contracts are offered to customers of various financial institutions and
brokerage firms. No financial institution or brokerage firm is responsible for
the guarantees under the contracts. Guarantees under the contracts are the sole
responsibility of Nationwide.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC, NOR HAS THE
SEC PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.




                                       1

                                    4 of 109

<PAGE>   5


GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS


ACCUMULATION UNIT- An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the contract
value allocated to the variable account before the annuitization date.

ANNUITIZATION DATE- The date on which annuity payments begin.

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE- The date on which annuity payments are scheduled to
begin. This date may be changed by the contract owner with Nationwide's consent.

ANNUITY UNIT- An accounting unit used to calculate the variable payment annuity
payments.

CONTRACT VALUE- The total of all accumulation units in a contract and any amount
held in the fixed account.

CONTRACT YEAR- Each year the contract is in force beginning with the date the
contract is issued.

ERISA- The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

FIXED ACCOUNT- An investment option that is funded by the general account of
Nationwide.

GENERAL ACCOUNT- All assets of Nationwide other than those of the variable
account or in other separate accounts that have been or may be established by
Nationwide.

INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT- An account that qualifies for favorable tax
treatment under Section 408(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, but does not
include Roth IRAs.

INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITY- An annuity contract that qualifies for favorable
tax treatment under Section 408(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, but does not
include Roth IRAs or Simple IRAs.

NATIONWIDE- Nationwide Life Insurance Company.

NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACT- A contract which does not qualify for favorable tax
treatment as a Qualified Plan, Individual Retirement Annuity, Roth IRA, SEP IRA,
Simple IRA, or Tax Sheltered Annuity.

QUALIFIED PLANS- Retirement plans which receive favorable tax treatment under
Section 401 or 403(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.

SEP IRA- An annuity contract which qualifies for favorable tax treatment under
Section 408(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.

SUB-ACCOUNTS- Divisions of the variable account to which underlying mutual fund
shares are allocated and for which accumulation units and annuity units are
separately maintained.

TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY- An annuity that qualifies for favorable tax treatment
under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.

VALUATION PERIOD- Each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business.

VARIABLE ACCOUNT- Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account, a separate account of
Nationwide that contains variable account allocations. The variable account is
divided into sub-accounts, each of which invests in shares of a separate
underlying mutual fund.






                                       2


                                    5 of 109

<PAGE>   6




TABLE OF CONTENTS




GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS.........................2
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES......................5
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL
     EXPENSES.....................................6
EXAMPLE...........................................7
SYNOPSIS OF THE CONTRACTS.........................8
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS..............................8
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION...................9
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY................11
NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC................11
INVESTING IN THE CONTRACT........................11
     The Variable Account and Underlying
        Mutual Funds
       The Fixed Account
STANDARD CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS..................13
     Mortality and Expense Risk Charges
     Contract Maintenance Charge
     Administration Charge
     Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
     Premium Taxes
CONTRACT OWNERSHIP...............................15
     Annuitant
     Contingent Ownership
     Beneficiary and Contingent Beneficiary
OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT........................16
     Minimum Initial and Subsequent Purchase
        Payments
     Pricing
     Allocation of Purchase Payments
     Determining the Contract Value
     Transfers
RIGHT TO REVOKE..................................19
SURRENDER (REDEMPTION)...........................19
     Surrenders Under a Texas Optional
        Retirement Program
     Surrenders Under a Qualified Contract or
        Tax Sheltered Annuity

LOAN PRIVILEGE...................................21
     Minimum & Maximum Loan Amounts
     Loan Processing Fee
     How Loan Requests are Processed
     Interest
     Loan Repayment
     Distributions & Annuity Payments
     Transferring the Contract
     Grace Period & Loan Default
ASSIGNMENT.......................................22
CONTRACT OWNER SERVICES..........................22
     Asset Rebalancing
     Dollar Cost Averaging
     Systematic Withdrawals
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE........................23
ANNUITIZING THE CONTRACT.........................23
     Annuitization Date
     Annuitization
     Fixed Payment Annuity
     Variable Payment Annuity
     Assumed Investment Rate
     Value of an Annuity Unit
     Exchanges among Underlying Mutual Funds
     Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments
     Annuity Payment Options
DEATH BENEFITS...................................25
     Death of Contract Owner - Non-Qualified
        Contracts
     Death of Annuitant - Non-Qualified
        Contracts
     Death of Contract Owner/Annuitant
     How the Death Benefit Value is Determined
     Death Benefit Payment
     Death Benefit for New York and North
        Carolina
REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS...........................27
     Required Distributions for Non-Qualified
        Contracts
     Required Distributions for Qualified Plans
        or Tax Sheltered Annuities
     Required Distributions for Individual
        Retirement Annuities or SEP IRAs

FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.......................30
     Federal Income Taxes
     Qualified Plans, SEP IRAs, Individual
        Retirement Annuities and Tax Sheltered
        Annuities
       Withholding
     Non-Resident Aliens
     Federal Estate, Gift, and Generation
        Skipping Transfer Taxes
     Puerto Rico
     Charge for Tax


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<PAGE>   7


     Diversification
     Tax Changes
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS...........................34
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ISSUES......................35
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS................................36
ADVERTISING AND SUB-ACCOUNT PERFORMANCE
     SUMMARY.....................................37
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF
     ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .....................39
APPENDIX A: OBJECTIVES FOR UNDERLYING
     MUTUAL FUNDS ...............................40







                                       4

                                    7 of 109

<PAGE>   8


SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES


The expenses listed below are charged to all contract owners unless the contract
owner meets an available exception.

CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES

Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge ("CDSC") (as a percentage of
of purchase payments surrendered)...............7%(1)

Range of CDSC over time:

NUMBER OF COMPLETED YEARS FROM            CDSC
   DATE OF PURCHASE PAYMENT            PERCENTAGE
- -------------------------------- ------------------------
               0                           7%
- -------------------------------- ------------------------
               1                           6%
- -------------------------------- ------------------------
               2                           5%
- -------------------------------- ------------------------
               3                           4%
- -------------------------------- ------------------------
               4                           3%
- -------------------------------- ------------------------
               5                           2%
- -------------------------------- ------------------------
               6                           1%
- -------------------------------- ------------------------
               7                           0%
- -------------------------------- ------------------------


1    Starting with the second contract year, the contract owner may withdraw
     without a CDSC the greater of:

a)   10% of all purchase payments made to the contract; or

b)   any amount withdrawn to meet minimum distribution requirements under the
     Internal Revenue Code.

   This free withdrawal privilege is non-cumulative. Free amounts not taken
   during any given contract year cannot be taken as free amounts in a
   subsequent contract year (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge").

   Withdrawals may be restricted for contracts issued to fund a Tax Sheltered
   Annuity plan or a Qualified Contract.

2    For contracts issued prior to February 1, 1989, the CDSC is 5% (as a
     percentage of the lesser of purchase payments or amounts surrendered).



MAXIMUM ANNUAL CONTRACT MAINTENANCE
CHARGE $30(2)

VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES(3)
(as a percentage of average account value)

Administration Charge.........................0.05%

Mortality and Expense Risk Charges............1.25%

     Total Variable Account Charges...........1.30%

2    The Contract Maintenance Charge is deducted annually from all contracts on
     each contract anniversary and upon full surrender of the contract.

3    These charges apply only to sub-account allocations. They do not apply to
     allocations made to the fixed account. They are charged on a daily basis at
     the annual rate noted above.








                                       5

                                    8 of 109

<PAGE>   9
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                               UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES

                         (as a percentage of underlying mutual fund net assets, after expense reimbursement)

        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         MANAGEMENT        OTHER         12B-1      TOTAL MUTUAL
                                                            FEES         EXPENSES         FEES      FUND EXPENSES
        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <S>                                                <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
        NSAT- Capital Appreciation Fund                    0.60           0.07           0.00           0.67
        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        NSAT- Government Bond Fund                         0.50           0.07           0.00           0.57
        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        NSAT- Money Market Fund                            0.40           0.06           0.00           0.46
        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        NSAT- Total Return Fund                            0.59           0.06           0.00           0.65
        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


The expenses shown above are deducted by the underlying mutual fund before it
provides Nationwide with the daily net asset value. Nationwide then deducts
applicable variable account charges from the net asset value to calculate the
unit value of the corresponding sub-account. The management fees and other
expenses are more fully described in the prospectus for each underlying mutual
fund. Information relating to the underlying mutual funds was provided by the
underlying mutual funds and not independently verified by Nationwide. The
underlying mutual funds are not currently subject to fee waivers or expense
reimbursements.





                                       6

                                    9 of 109

<PAGE>   10


EXAMPLE


The following chart shows the amount of expenses (in dollars) that would be
incurred under this contract assuming a $1,000 investment, 5% annual return, and
no change in expenses. These dollar figures are illustrative only and should not
be considered a representation of past or future expenses. Actual expenses may
be greater or less than those shown below.

The example reflects expenses of both the variable account and the underlying
mutual funds. The example reflects the standard 7 year CDSC schedule and the
maximum amount of variable account charges that could be assessed to a contract
(1.30%). The example reflects the Contract Maintenance Charge expressed as a
percentage of the average contract account size for existing contracts. Since
the average contract account size for contracts described in this prospectus is
greater than $1,000, the expense effect of the Contract Maintenance Charge is
reduced accordingly. Deductions for premium taxes are not reflected but may
apply.

The summary of contract expenses and example are to help contract owners
understand the expenses associated with the contract.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              If you surrender your contract       If you do not surrender your      If you annuitize your contract
                              at the end of the applicable          contract at the end of the       at the end of the applicable
                                       time period                    applicable time period                    time period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              1 Yr.  3 Yrs.  5 Yrs. 10 Yrs.        1 Yr.  3 Yrs   5 Yrs.  10 Yrs.      1 Yr. 3 Yrs.  5 Yrs.  10 Yrs.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>           <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>          <C>    <C>    <C>      <C>
NSAT-Capital Appreciation       92     114    145     254           22     69     118     254           *     69     118      254
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Government Bond Fund       91     111    140     243           21     66     113     243           *     66     113      243
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Money Market Fund          90     107    134     231           20     62     107     231           *     62     107      231
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Total Return Fund          92     113    144     251           22     68     117     251           *     68     117      251
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

*The contracts sold under this prospectus do not permit annuitization during the
first two contract years.






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                                   10 of 109
<PAGE>   11




SYNOPSIS OF THE CONTRACTS

The contracts described in this prospectus are flexible purchase payment
contracts.

The contracts can be categorized as:

     - Non-Qualified;

     - Individual Retirement Annuities;

     - SEP IRAs;

     - Tax Sheltered Annuities; and

     - Qualified.

MINIMUM INITIAL AND SUBSEQUENT PURCHASE PAYMENTS

- ------------------- ----------------- -----------------
                    MINIMUM INITIAL       MINIMUM
     CONTRACT       PURCHASE PAYMENT     SUBSEQUENT
       TYPE                               PAYMENTS
- ------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Non-Qualified            $1,500             $10*
- ------------------- ----------------- -----------------
IRA                        $0                $0
- ------------------- ----------------- -----------------
SEP IRA                    $0                $0
- ------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Tax Sheltered              $0                $0
Annuity
- ------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Qualified                  $0                $0
- ------------------- ----------------- -----------------

*This amount may be lowered for certain employer sponsored grograms.

CHARGES AND EXPENSES

Nationwide deducts a Mortality and Expense Risk Charge equal to an annual rate
of 1.25% and an Administration Charge equal to an annual rate of 0.05% of the
daily net assets of the variable account. Nationwide assesses these charges in
return for bearing certain mortality and administrative risks.

A $30 Contract Maintenance Charge is assessed against the contract on each
contract anniversary and upon a full surrender of the contract.

Nationwide does not deduct a sales charge from purchase payments upon deposit
into the contract. However, Nationwide may deduct a CDSC if any amount is
withdrawn from the contract. This CDSC reimburses Nationwide for sales expenses.
The amount of the CDSC will not exceed 7% of purchase payments surrendered.

For contracts issued prior to February 1, 1989, the CDSC is 5% (as a percentage
of the lesser of purchase payments or amounts surrendered).

ANNUITY PAYMENTS

Annuity payments begin on the annuitization date. The payments will be based on
the annuity payment option chosen at the time of application (see "Annuity
Payment Options").

TAXATION

How the contracts are taxed depends on the type of contract issued. Nationwide
will charge against the contract any premium taxes levied by any governmental
authority (see "Federal Tax Considerations" and "Premium Taxes").

TEN DAY FREE LOOK

Contract owners may return the contract for any reason within ten days of
receipt and Nationwide will refund the contract value or the amount required by
law (see "Right to Revoke").

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Financial statements for the variable account and Nationwide are located in the
Statement of Additional Information. A current Statement of Additional
Information may be obtained without charge by contacting Nationwide's home
office at the telephone number listed on page 1 of this prospectus.





                                       8

                                   11 of 109

<PAGE>   12



CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Accumulation unit values for an accumulation unit outstanding throughout the
period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              ACCUMULATION         ACCUMULATION         PERCENT           NUMBER OF
                               UNIT VALUE           UNIT VALUE         CHANGE IN        ACCUMULATION
       UNDERLYING             AT BEGINNING            AT END          ACCUMULATION      UNITS AT END
       MUTUAL FUND              OF PERIOD           OF PERIOD          UNIT VALUE       OF THE PERIOD      YEAR
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>                   <C>                  <C>             <C>               <C>
NSAT-Capital Appreciation     23.867569             30.616503            28.28%          1,478,599         1998
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund -Q                       17.979967             23.867569            32.75%          2,023,820         1997
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              14.442619             17.979967            24.49%          1,905,248         1996
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              11.311683             14.442619            27.68%          1,711,709         1995
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              11.564256             11.311683            -2.18%          1,788,703         1994
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              10.689287             11.564256             8.19%          1,249,864         1993
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              10.000000             10.689297             6.89%            588,851         1992
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Capital Appreciation     23.867569             30.616503            28.28%            558,311         1998
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund-NQ                       17.979967             23.867569            32.75%            808,136         1997
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              14.442619             17.979967            24.49%            779,474         1996
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              11.311683             14.442619            27.68%            739,691         1995
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              11.564256             11.311683            -2.18%            821,411         1994
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              10.689287             11.564256             8.19%            602,710         1993
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              10.000000             10.689297             6.89%            263,516         1992
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Government Bond          32.572519             35.013105             7.49%          2,177,680         1998
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund-Q                        30.092479             32.572519             8.24%          2,630,778         1997
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              29.463573             30.092479             2.13%          2,948,795         1996
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              25.138302             29.463573            17.21%          3,276,421         1995
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              26.318797             25.138302            -4.49%          3,538,336         1994
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              24.348055             26.318797             8.09%          3,946,493         1993
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              22.869936             24.348055             6.46%          2,650,975         1992
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              19.854919             22.869936            15.19%          1,805,156         1991
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              18.372987             19.854919             8.07%          1,291,591         1990
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              16.331709             18.372987            12.50%          1,182,905         1989
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Government Bond          32.584532             35.026017             7.49%            885,231         1998
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund-NQ                       30.103580             32.584532             8.24%          1,136,230         1997
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              29.474435             30.103580             2.13%          1,371,551         1996
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              25.147577             29.474435            17.21%          1,618,704         1995
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              26.328516             25.147577            -4.49%          1,893,807         1994
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              24.357055             26.328516             8.09%          2,350,137         1993
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              22.878402             24.357055             6.46%          1,501,470         1992
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              19.862268             22.878402            15.19%            976,874         1991
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              18.379796             19.862268             8.07%            750,363         1990
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              16.337763             18.379796            12.50%            756,058         1989
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


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<PAGE>   13

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              ACCUMULATION         ACCUMULATION         PERCENT           NUMBER OF
                               UNIT VALUE           UNIT VALUE         CHANGE IN        ACCUMULATION
       UNDERLYING             AT BEGINNING            AT END          ACCUMULATION      UNITS AT END
       MUTUAL FUND              OF PERIOD           OF PERIOD          UNIT VALUE       OF THE PERIOD      YEAR
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>                   <C>                   <C>            <C>              <C>
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Money Market             21.120495             21.944976             3.90%           1,325,652       1998
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund-Q*                       20.329483             21.120495             3.89%           1,487,528       1997
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              19.595876             20.329483             3.74%           1,617,637       1996
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              18.790546             19.595876             4.29%           1,618,571       1995
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              18.325918             18.790546             2.54%           1,636,119       1994
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              18.069824             18.325918             1.42%           1,647,900       1993
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              17.705124             18.069824             2.06%           1,840,923       1992
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              16.950132             17.705124             4.45%           2,323,043       1991
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              15.891433             16.950132             6.66%           2,678,914       1990
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              14.760926             15.891433             7.66%           2,395,888       1989
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Money Market             22.947799             23.843612             3.90%             401,628       1998
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund-NQ*                      22.088348             22.947799             3.89%             476,129       1997
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              21.291272             22.088348             3.74%             600,726       1996
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              20.416267             21.291272             4.29%             665,100       1995
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              19.911440             20.416267             2.54%             831,132       1994
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              19.633190             19.911440             1.42%             819,892       1993
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              19.236937             19.633190             2.06%           1,117,454       1992
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              18.416623             19.236937             4.45%           1,684,322       1991
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              17.266332             18.416623             6.66%           2,083,996       1990
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              16.038015             17.266332             7.66%           2,127,690       1989
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Total Return             79.422176             92.558757            16.54%           4,128,211       1998
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund-Q                        62.170693             79.422176            27.75%           5,163,514       1997
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              51.701438             62.170693            20.25%           5,119,908       1996
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              40.575816             51.701438            27.42%           5,049,123       1995
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              40.671816             40.575816            -0.24%           5,094,417       1994
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              37.150744             40.671816             9.48%           4,467,810       1993
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              34.794462             37.150744             6.77%           3,578,781       1992
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              25.454897             34.794462            36.69%           2,974,227       1991
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              28.044760             25.454897            -9.23%           2,734,562       1990
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              25.094601             28.044760            11.76%           2,897,067       1989
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Total Return             77.137765             89.896489            16.54%           1,438,302       1998
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund-NQ                       60.382482             77.137765            27.75%           2,084,153       1997
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              50.214359             60.382482            20.25%           2,180,633       1996
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              39.408735             50.214359            27.42%           2,273,685       1995
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              39.501981             39.408735            -0.24%           2,360,160       1994
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              36.082181             39.501981             9.48%           2,184,517       1993
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              33.793676             36.082181             6.77%           1,671,604       1992
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              24.722750             33.793676            36.69%           1,370,409       1991
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              27.238121             24.722750            -9.23%           1,268,584       1990
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              24.372817             27.238121            11.76%           1,476,049       1989
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

   *The 7-day yield on the NSAT - Money Market Fund as of December 31, 1998 was
3.52%.

                                       10

                                   13 of 109
<PAGE>   14


NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Nationwide is a stock life insurance company organized under Ohio law in March,
1929, with its home office at One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
Nationwide is a provider of life insurance, annuities and retirement products.
It is admitted to do business in all states, the District of Columbia and Puerto
Rico.

NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.

The contracts are distributed by the general distributor, Nationwide Advisory
Services, Inc. ("NAS"), Three Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215. NAS is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide.

INVESTING IN THE CONTRACT

THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS

Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account is a separate account that invests in the
underlying mutual funds listed in Appendix A. Nationwide established the
separate account on October 7, 1981, pursuant to Ohio law. Although the separate
account is registered with the SEC as a unit investment trust pursuant to the
Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act"), the SEC does not supervise the
management of Nationwide or the variable account.

Income, gains, and losses credited to, or charged against, the variable account
reflect the variable account's own investment experience and not the investment
experience of Nationwide's other assets. The variable account's assets are held
separately from Nationwide's assets and are not chargeable with liabilities
incurred in any other business of Nationwide. Nationwide is obligated to pay all
amounts promised to contract owners under the contracts.

The variable account is divided into sub-accounts. Nationwide uses the assets of
each sub-account to buy shares of the underlying mutual funds based on contract
owner instructions. There are two sub-accounts for each underlying mutual fund.
One sub-account contains shares attributable to accumulation units under
Non-Qualified Contracts. The other contains shares attributable to accumulation
units under Individual Retirement Accounts, SEP IRAs, Tax Sheltered Annuities,
and Qualified Contracts.

Each underlying mutual fund's prospectus contains more detailed information
about that fund. Prospectuses for the underlying mutual funds should be read in
conjunction with this prospectus.

Underlying mutual funds in the variable account are NOT publicly traded mutual
funds. They are only available as investment options in variable life insurance
policies or variable annuity contracts issued by life insurance companies, or in
some cases, through participation in certain qualified pension or retirement
plans.

The investment advisers of the underlying mutual funds may manage publicly
traded mutual funds with similar names and investment objectives. However, the
underlying mutual funds are NOT directly related to any publicly traded mutual
fund. Contract owners should not compare the performance of a publicly traded
fund with the performance of underlying mutual funds participating in the
variable account. The performance of the underlying mutual funds could differ
substantially from that of any publicly traded funds.

Voting Rights

Contract owners who have allocated assets to the underlying mutual funds are
entitled to certain voting rights. Nationwide will vote contract owner shares at
special shareholder meetings based on contract owner instructions. However, if
the law changes and Nationwide is allowed to vote in its own right, it may elect
to do so.

Contract owners with voting interests in an underlying mutual fund will be
notified of issues requiring the shareholders' vote as soon as possible before
the shareholder meeting.



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                                   14 of 109
<PAGE>   15

Notification will contain proxy materials and a form with which to give
Nationwide voting instructions. Nationwide will vote shares for which no
instructions are received in the same proportion as those that are received.

The number of shares which a contract owner may vote is determined by dividing
the cash value of the amount they have allocated to an underlying mutual fund by
the net asset value of that underlying mutual fund. Nationwide will designate a
date for this determination not more than 90 days before the shareholder
meeting.

Material Conflicts

The underlying mutual funds may be offered through separate accounts of other
insurance companies, as well as through other separate accounts of Nationwide.
Nationwide does not anticipate any disadvantages to this. However, it is
possible that a conflict may arise between the interests of the variable account
and one or more of the other separate accounts in which these underlying mutual
funds participate.

Material conflicts may occur due to a change in law affecting the operations of
variable life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts, or differences
in the voting instructions of the contract owners and those of other companies.
If a material conflict occurs, Nationwide will take whatever steps are necessary
to protect contract owners and variable annuity payees, including withdrawal of
the variable account from participation in the underlying mutual fund(s)
involved in the conflict.

Substitution of Securities

Nationwide may substitute, eliminate, or combine shares of another underlying
mutual fund for shares already purchased or to be purchased in the future if
either of the following occurs:

     1)   shares of a current underlying mutual fund are no longer available for
          investment; or

     2)   further investment in an underlying mutual fund is inappropriate.

No substitution, elimination, or combination of shares may take place without
the prior approval of the SEC and state insurance departments.

THE FIXED ACCOUNT

The fixed account is an investment option that is funded by assets of
Nationwide's general account. The general account contains all of Nationwide's
assets other than those in other Nationwide separate accounts. It is used to
support Nationwide's annuity and insurance obligations and may contain
compensation for mortality and expense risks.

The general account is not subject to the same laws as the variable account and
the SEC has not reviewed material in this prospectus relating to the fixed
account. However, information relating to the fixed account is subject to
federal securities laws relating to accouracy and completeness of prospectus
disclosure.

Purchase payments will be allocated to the fixed account by election of the
contract owner.

The investment income earned by the fixed account will be allocated to the
contracts at varying guaranteed interest rate(s) depending on the following
categories of fixed account allocations:

     -    New Money Rate - The rate credited on the fixed account allocation
          when the contract is purchased or when subsequent purchase payments
          are made. Subsequent purchase payments may receive different New Money
          Rates than the rate when the contract was issued, since the New Money
          Rate is subject to change based on market conditions.

     -    Variable Account to Fixed Rate - Allocations transferred from any of
          the underlying investment options in the variable account to the fixed
          account may receive a different rate. The rate may be lower than the
          New Money Rate. There may be limits on the amount and frequency of
          movements from the variable account to the fixed account.

     -    Renewal Rate - The rate available for maturing fixed account
          allocations which



                                       12

                                   15 of 109
<PAGE>   16

          are entering a new guarantee period. The contract owner will be
          notified of this rate in a letter issued with the quarterly statements
          when any of the money in the contract owner's fixed account matures.
          At that time, the contract owner will have an opportunity to leave the
          money in the fixed account and receive the Renewal Rate or the
          contract owner can move the money to any of the other underlying
          mutual fund options.

     -    Dollar Cost Averaging Rate - From time to time, Nationwide may offer a
          more favorable rate for an initial purchase payment into a new
          contract when used in conjunction with a Dollar Cost Averaging
          program.

All of these rates are subject to change on a daily basis; however, once applied
to the fixed account, the interest rates are guaranteed until the end of the
calendar quarter during the12 month anniversary in which the fixed account
allocation occurs.

Credited interest rates are annualized rates - the effective yield of interest
over a one-year period. Interest is credited to each contract on a daily basis.
As a result, the credited interest rate is compounded daily to achieve the
stated effective yield.

Any interest in excess of 3.0% will be credited to fixed account allocations at
Nationwide's sole discretion. The contract owner assumes the risk that interest
credited to fixed account allocations may not exceed the minimum guarantee of
3.0% for any given year.

Nationwide guarantees that the fixed account contract value will not be less
than the amount of the purchase payments allocated to the fixed account, plus
interest credited as described above, less any applicable charges including
CDSC.

STANDARD CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS

MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGES

Nationwide deducts a Mortality and Expense Risk Charge from the variable
account. This amount is computed on a daily basis, and is equal to an annual
rate of 1.25% of the daily net assets of the variable account.

The charge for mortality risks is 0.80% of the daily net asset of the variable
account. The mortality risk charges compensate Nationwide for guaranteeing the
annuity rate of the contracts. This guarantee ensures that the annuity rates
will not change regardless of the death rates of annuity payees or the general
population.

The expense risk charge is 0.45% of the daily net assets of the variable
account. The expense risk charges compensate Nationwide for guaranteeing that
administration charges will not increase regardless of actual expenses.

If the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge is insufficient to cover actual
expenses, the loss is borne by Nationwide.

CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE

On each contract anniversary (and upon a full surrender of the contract),
Nationwide deducts a $30 Contract Maintenance Charge. This charge reimburses
Nationwide for administrative expenses involved in issuing and maintaining the
contract.

The deduction of the Contract Maintenance Charge will be taken proportionately
from each sub-account and the fixed account based on the value in each option as
compared to the total contract value.

Nationwide will not increase the Contract Maintenance Charge. Nationwide will
not reduce or eliminate the Contract Maintenance Charge where it would be
discriminatory or unlawful.

ADMINISTRATION CHARGE

Nationwide deducts an Administration Charge from the variable account. This
amount is computed on a daily basis, and is equal to an annual rate of 0.05% of
the daily net assets of the variable account. This charge reimburses Nationwide
for administrative expenses.






                                       13

                                   16 of 109
<PAGE>   17



CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE

No sales charge deduction is made from the purchase payments when amounts are
deposited into the contracts. However, if any part of the contract is
surrendered, Nationwide will deduct a CDSC. The CDSC will not exceed 7% of the
amount purchase payments surrendered.

The CDSC is calculated by multiplying the applicable CDSC percentage (noted
below) by the amount of purchase payments surrendered.

For purposes of calculating the CDSC, surrenders are considered to come first
from the oldest purchase payment made to the contract, then the next oldest
purchase payment, and so forth. For tax purposes, a surrender is usually treated
as a withdrawal of earnings first.

The CDSC applies as follows:

- ---------------------------- --------------------------
 NUMBER OF YEARS FROM DATE             CDSC
    OF PURCHASE PAYMENT             PERCENTAGE
- ---------------------------- --------------------------
             0                          7%
- ---------------------------- --------------------------
             1                          6%
- ---------------------------- --------------------------
             2                          5%
- ---------------------------- --------------------------
             3                          4%
- ---------------------------- --------------------------
             4                          3%
- ---------------------------- --------------------------
             5                          2%
- ---------------------------- --------------------------
             6                          1%
- ---------------------------- --------------------------
             7                          0%
- ---------------------------- --------------------------

For contracts issued prior to February 1, 1989, the CDSC will not exceed the
lesser of:

     (1)  5% of the amount surrendered; or

     (2)  5% of the total of all purchase payments made within 8 years of the
          surrender date.

For contracts issued prior to February 1, 1989, the contract owner may, after
the first year from the date of each purchase payment, withdraw without a CDSC,
up to 5% of that purchase payment for each year that the purchase payment has
remained on deposit (less the amount of such purchase payment previously
surrendered free of charge).

The CDSC is used to cover sales expenses, including commissions (maximum of 6.0%
of purchase payments), production of sales material, and other promotional
expenses. If expenses are greater than the CDSC, the shortfall will be made up
from Nationwide's general account, which may indirectly include portions of the
Contract Maintenance Charge and other variable account charges, since Nationwide
may generate a profit from these charges.

Contract owners taking withdrawals before age 59 1/2 may be subject to a 10% tax
penalty. In addition, all or a portion of the withdrawal may be subject to
federal income taxes (see "Non-Qualified Contracts - Natural Persons as Contract
Owners").

Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge

The CDSC will not be assessed against the withdrawal of purchase payments made
to contracts issued under the Nationwide Enterprise Multi-Flex Account (NEMA),
available to officers, directors, agents, employees, independent contract or
agents, employees of Nationwide agents, retirees, their spouses, children, and
immediate relatives of any employee of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise.

Starting with the second contract year, the contract owner may withdraw without
   a CDSC the greater of:

     (a)  10% of all purchase payments; or

     (b)  any amount withdrawn to meet minimum distribution requirements under
          the Internal Revenue Code.

This CDSC-free privilege is non-cumulative. Free amounts not taken during any
given contract year cannot be taken as free amounts in a subsequent contract
year.

In addition, no CDSC will be deducted:

     (1)  upon the annuitization of contracts which have been in force for at
          least two years;

     (2)  upon payment of a death benefit; or

     (3)  from any values which have been held under a contract for at least 7
          years.

No CDSC applies to transfers among sub-accounts or between or among the fixed
account or the variable account. Nationwide may waive

                                       14

                                   17 of 109
<PAGE>   18

the CDSC if a contract described in this prospectus is exchanged for another
Nationwide contract (or a contract of any of its affiliated insurance
companies). A CDSC may apply to the contract received in the exchange.

A CDSC will not be eliminated if to do so would be unfairly discriminatory or
prohibited by state law.

PREMIUM TAXES

Nationwide will charge against the contract value any premium taxes levied by a
state or other government entity. Premium tax rates currently range from 0% to
3.5%. This range is subject to change. The method used to assess premium tax
will be determined by Nationwide at its sole discretion in compliance with state
law.

If applicable, Nationwide will deduct premium taxes from the contract either at:

     (1)  the time the contract is surrendered;

     (2)  annuitization; or

     (3)  such other date as Nationwide becomes subject to premium taxes.

Premium taxes may be deducted from death benefit proceeds.

CONTRACT OWNERSHIP

The contract owner has all rights under the contract, including the right to
designate and change any designations of the contract owner, annuitant,
contingent annuitant, contingent owner, beneficiary, contingent beneficiary,
annuity payment option, and annuity commencement date. Purchasers who name
someone other than themselves as the contract owner will have no rights under
the contract.

Contract owners of Non-Qualified Contracts may name a new contract owner at any
time before the annuitization date. Any change of contract owner automatically
revokes any prior contract owner designation. Changes in contract ownership may
result in federal income taxation and may be subject to state and federal gift
taxes.

A change in contract ownership must be submitted in writing and recorded at
Nationwide's home office. Once recorded, the change will be effective as of the
date signed. However, the change will not affect any payments made or actions
taken by Nationwide before it was recorded.

The contract owner may also request a change in the annuitant, contingent
annuitant, contingent owner, beneficiary, or contingent beneficiary before the
annuitization date. These changes must be:

   -   on a Nationwide form;

   -   signed by the contract owner; and

   -   received at Nationwide's home office before the annuitization date.

Nationwide must review and approve any change requests. If the contract owner is
not a natural person and there is a change of the annuitant, distributions will
be made as if the contract owner died at the time of the change.

ANNUITANT

The annuitant is the person designated to receive annuity payments during
annuitization of the contract and upon whose continuation of life any annuity
payment involving life contingencies depends. This person must be age 78 or
younger at the time of contract issuance, unless Nationwide approves a request
for an annuitant of greater age. The annuitant may be change prior to the
annuitization date with the consent of Nationwide.

CONTINGENT OWNERSHIP

The contingent owner is entitled to certain benefits under the contract, if a
contract owner who is NOT the annuitant dies before the annuitization date.

The contract owner may name or change a contingent owner at any time before the
annuitization date. To change the contingent owner, a written request must be
submitted to Nationwide. Once Nationwide has recorded the change, it will be
effective as of the date it was signed, whether or not the contract owner was



                                       15

                                   18 of 109
<PAGE>   19

living at the time it was recorded. The change will not affect any action taken
by Nationwide before the change was recorded.

BENEFICIARY AND CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY

The beneficiary is the person(s) who is entitled to the death benefit if the
annuitant dies before the annuitization date. The contract owner can name more
than one beneficiary. Multiple beneficiaries will share the death benefit
equally, unless otherwise specified.

The contract owner may change the beneficiary or contingent beneficiary during
the annuitant's lifetime by submitting a written request to Nationwide. Once
recorded, the change will be effective as of the date it was signed, whether or
not the annuitant was living at the time it was recorded. The change will not
affect any action taken by Nationwide before the change was recorded.

OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT
MINIMUM INITIAL AND SUBSEQUENT PURCHASE PAYMENTS

- ------------------- ----------------- -----------------
     CONTRACT       MINIMUM INITIAL       MINIMUM
       TYPE         PURCHASE PAYMENT     SUBSEQUENT
                                          PAYMENTS
- ------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Non-Qualified            $1,500             $10*
- ------------------- ----------------- -----------------
IRA                        $0                $0
- ------------------- ----------------- -----------------
SEP IRA                    $0                $0
- ------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Tax Sheltered              $0                $0
Annuity
- ------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Qualified                  $0                $0
- ------------------- ----------------- -----------------

*This amount may be lowered for certain employer sponsored programs.

PRICING

Initial purchase payments allocated to sub-accounts will be priced at the
accumulation unit value determined no later than 2 business days after receipt
of an order to purchase if the application and all necessary information are
complete. If the application is not complete, Nationwide may retain a purchase
payment for up to 5 business days while attempting to complete it. If the
application is not completed within 5 business days, the prospective purchaser
will be informed of the reason for the delay. The purchase payment will be
returned unless the prospective purchaser specifically allows Nationwide to hold
the purchase payment until the application is completed.

Subsequent purchase payments will be priced based on the next available
accumulation unit value after the payment is received. The cumulative total of
all purchase payments under contracts on the life of any one annuitant cannot
exceed $1,000,000 without Nationwide's prior consent.

Purchase payments will not be priced when the New York Stock Exchange is closed
or priced on the following nationally recognized holidays:

- -   New Year's Day                 -  Independence Day
- -   Martin Luther King, Jr. Day    -  Labor Day
- -   Presidents' Day                -  Thanksgiving
- -   Good Friday                    -  Christmas
- -   Memorial Day

Nationwide also will not price purchase payments if:

     (1)  trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted;

     (2)  an emergency exists making disposal or valuation of securities held in
          the variable account impracticable; or

     (3)  the SEC, by order, permits a suspension or postponement for the
          protection of security holders.

Rules and regulations of the SEC will govern as to when the conditions described
in (2) and (3) exist.

If Nationwide is open on days when the New York Stock Exchange is closed,
contract value may be affected since the contract owner would not have access to
their account.

ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS

Nationwide allocates purchase payments to the sub-accounts and the fixed account
as instructed by the contract owner. Shares of the underlying mutual funds
allocated to the sub-accounts are purchased at net asset value, then converted
into accumulation units. Contract owners can change allocations or make
exchanges among


                                       16

                                   19 of 109
<PAGE>   20

the sub-accounts or the fixed account. However, no change may be made that would
result in an amount less than 1% of the purchase payments being allocated to
sub-account for any contract owner.

Certain transactions may be subject to conditions imposed by the underlying
mutual funds, as well as those set forth in the contract.

DETERMINING THE CONTRACT VALUE

The contract value is:

     1)   the value of amounts allocated to the sub-accounts of the variable
          account; and

     2)   amounts allocated to the fixed account.

If part or all of the contract value is surrendered, or charges are assessed
against the contract value, Nationwide will deduct a proportionate amount from
each sub-account and the fixed account based on current cash values.

Determining Variable Account Value - Valuing an Accumulation Unit

Purchase payments or transfers allocated to sub-accounts are accounted for in
accumulation units. Accumulation unit values (for each sub-account) are
determined by calculating the net investment factor for the underlying mutual
funds for the current valuation period and multiplying that result with the
accumulation unit values determined on the previous valuation period.

Nationwide uses the net investment factor as a way to calculate the investment
performance of a sub-account from valuation period to valuation period. For each
sub-account, the net investment factor shows the investment performance of the
underlying mutual fund in which a particular sub-account invests, including the
charges assessed against that sub-account for a valuation period.

The net investment factor for any particular sub-account is determined by
dividing (a) by (b), and then subtracting (c) from the result, where
(a) is:

     (1)  the net asset value of the underlying mutual fund as of the end of the
          current valuation period; and

     (2)  the per share amount of any dividend or income distributions made by
          the underlying mutual fund (if the ex-dividend date occurs during the
          current valuation period).

(b)  is the net asset value of the underlying mutual fund determined as of the
     end of the preceding valuation period.


(c)  is a factor representing the daily variable account charges. The factor is
     equal to an annual rate of 1.30% of the daily net assets of the variable
     account.

Based on the net investment factor, the value of an accumulation unit may
increase or decrease. Changes in the net investment factor may not be directly
proportional to changes in the net asset value of the underlying mutual fund
shares because of the deduction of variable account charges.

Though the number of accumulation units will not change as a result of
investment experience, the value of an accumulation unit may increase or
decrease from valuation period to valuation period.

Determining Fixed Account Value

Nationwide determines the value of the fixed account by:

     1)   adding all amounts allocated to the fixed account, minus amounts
          previously transferred or withdrawn; and

     2)   adding any interest earned on the amounts allocated.

TRANSFERS

Transfers from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account

Fixed account allocations may be transferred to the variable account only upon
reaching the end of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period. Normally, Nationwide will
permit 100% of such fixed account allocations to be transferred to the


                                       17


                                   20 of 109
<PAGE>   21

variable account; however, Nationwide may, under certain economic conditions and
at its discretion, limit the maximum transferable amount. Under no circumstances
will the maximum transferable amount be less than 10% of the fixed account
allocation reaching the end of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period. Transfers of
the fixed account allocations must be made within 45 days after reaching the end
of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period.

Contract owners who use Dollar Cost Averaging may transfer from the fixed
account to the variable account under the terms of that program (see "Dollar
Cost Averaging").

Transfers from the Variable Account to the Fixed Account

Variable account allocations may be transferred to the fixed account at any
time. Normally, Nationwide will not restrict transfers from the variable account
to the fixed account; however, Nationwide may establish a maximum transfer limit
from the variable account to the fixed account. Except as noted below, under no
circumstances will the transfer limit be less than 10% of the current value of
the variable account, less any transfers made in the 12 months preceding the
date the transfer is requested, but not including transfers made prior to the
imposition of the transfer limit. However, where permitted by state law,
Nationwide reserves the right to refuse transfers or purchase payments to the
fixed account from the variable account when the fixed account value is greater
than or equal to 30% of the contract value at the time the purchase payment is
made or the transfer is requested.

Transfer Requests

Nationwide will accept transfer requests in writing or over the telephone.
Nationwide will use reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone instructions
are genuine and will not be liable for following telephone instructions that it
reasonably determined to be genuine. Nationwide may withdraw the telephone
exchange privilege upon 30 days written notice to contract owners.

Amounts transferred to the variable account will receive the accumulation unit
value next determined after the transfer request is received.

After annuitization, transfers may only be made on the anniversary of the
annuitization date.

Interest Rate Guarantee Period

The interest rate guarantee period is the period of time that the fixed account
interest rate is guaranteed to remain the same. Within 45 days of the end of an
interest rate guarantee period, transfers may be made from the fixed account to
the variable account. Nationwide will determine the amount that may be
transferred and will declare this amount at the end of the guarantee period.
This amount will not be less than 10% of the amount in the fixed account that is
maturing.

For new purchase payments allocated to the fixed account, or transfers to the
fixed account from the variable account this period begins on the date of
deposit or transfer and ends on the one year anniversary of the deposit or
transfer. The guaranteed interest rate period may last for up to 3 months beyond
the 1 year anniversary because guaranteed terms end on the last day of a
calendar quarter.

During an interest rate guarantee period, transfers cannot be made from the
fixed account, and amounts transferred to the fixed account must remain on
deposit.

Market Timing Firms

Some contract owners may use market timing firms or other third parties to make
transfers on their behalf. Generally, in order to take advantage of perceived
market trends, market-timing firms will submit transfer or exchange requests on
behalf of multiple contract owners at the same time. Sometimes this can result
in unusually large transfers of funds. These large transfers might interfere
with the ability of Nationwide or the underlying mutual fund to process
transactions. This can potentially disadvantage contract owners not using
market-timing firms. To avoid this, Nationwide may modify transfer and exchange
rights of contract


                                       18

                                   21 of 109
<PAGE>   22

owners who use market timing firms (or other third parties) to transfer or
exchange funds on their behalf.

The exchange and transfer rights of individual contract owners will not be
modified in any way when instructions are submitted directly by the contract
owner, or by the contract owner's representative (as authorized by the execution
of a valid Nationwide Limited Power of Attorney Form).

To protect contract owners, Nationwide may refuse exchange and transfer
requests:

     -    submitted by any agent acting under a power of attorney on behalf of
          more than one contract owner; or

     -    submitted on behalf of individual contract owners who have executed
          pre-authorized exchange forms which are submitted by market timing
          firms (or other third parties) on behalf of more than one contract
          owner at the same time.

Nationwide will not restrict exchange rights unless Nationwide believes it to be
necessary for the protection of all contract owners.

RIGHT TO REVOKE

Contract owners have a ten day "free look" to examine the contract. The contract
may be returned to Nationwide's home office for any reason within ten days of
receipt and Nationwide will refund the contract value or another amount required
by law. The refunded contract value will reflect the deduction of any contract
charges, unless otherwise required by law. All IRA refunds will be a return of
purchase payments. State and/or federal law may provide additional free look
privileges.

Liability of the variable account under this provision is limited to the
contract value in each sub-account on the date of revocation. Any additional
amounts refunded to the contract owner will be paid by Nationwide.



SURRENDER (REDEMPTION)

Contract owners may surrender some or all of their contract value before the
earlier of the annuitization date or the annuitant's death. Surrender requests
must be in writing and Nationwide may require additional information. When
taking a full surrender, the contract must accompany the written request.
Nationwide may require a signature guarantee.

Nationwide will pay any amount surrendered from the sub-accounts within 7 days.
However, Nationwide may suspend or postpone payment when it is unable to price a
purchase payment or transfer.

Partial Surrenders (Partial Redemption)

Nationwide will surrender accumulation units from the sub-accounts and an amount
from the fixed account. The amount withdrawn from each investment option will be
in proportion to the value in each option at the time of the surrender request.

A CDSC may apply. The contract owner may direct Nationwide to deduct the CDSC
either from:

a)   the amount requested; or

b)   the contract value remaining after the contract owner has received the
     amount requested.

If the contract owner does not make a specific election, any applicable CDSC
will be taken from the contract value remaining after the contract owner has
received the amount requested.

Full Surrenders (Full Redemptions)

The contract value upon full surrender may be more or less than the total of all
purchase payments made to the contract. The contract value will reflect variable
account charges, underlying mutual fund charges and the investment performance
of the underlying mutual funds. A CDSC may apply.




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SURRENDERS UNDER A TEXAS OPTIONAL RETIREMENT PROGRAM

Redemption restrictions apply to contracts issued under the Texas Optional
Retirement Program.

The Texas Attorney General has ruled that participants in contracts issued under
the Texas Optional Retirement Program may only take withdrawals if:

- -    the participant dies;

- -    the participants retires;

- -    the participant terminates employment due to total disability;

- -    or the participant that works in a Texas public institution of higher
     education terminates employment.

Due to the restrictions described above, a participant under this plan will not
be able to withdraw cash values from the contract unless one of the applicable
conditions is met. However, contract value may be transferred to other carriers,
subject to any CDSC.

Nationwide issues this contract to participants in the Texas Optional Retirement
Program in reliance upon and in compliance with Rule 6c-7 of the Investment
Company Act of 1940.

SURRENDERS UNDER A QUALIFIED CONTRACT OR TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY

Contract owners of a Qualified Contract or Tax Sheltered Annuity may surrender
part or all of their contract value before the earlier of the annuitization date
or the annuitant's death, except as provided below:

A.   Contract value attributable to contributions made under a qualified cash or
     deferred arrangement (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section
     402(g)(3)(A)), a salary reduction agreement (within the meaning of Internal
     Revenue Code Section 402(g)(3)(C)), or transfers from a Custodial Account
     (described in Section 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code), may be
     surrendered only:

     1.   when the contract owner reaches age 59 1/2, separates from service,
          dies, or becomes disabled (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code
          Section 72(m)(7)); or

     2.   in the case of hardship (as defined for purposes of Internal Revenue
          Code Section 401(k)), provided that any such hardship surrender may
          NOT include any income earned on salary reduction contributions.

B.   The surrender limitations described in Section A also apply to:

     1.   salary reduction contributions to Tax Sheltered Annuities made for
          plan years beginning after December 31, 1988;

     2.   earnings credited to such contracts after the last plan year beginning
          before January 1, 1989, on amounts attributable to salary reduction
          contributions; and

     3.   all amounts transferred from 403(b)(7) Custodial Accounts (except that
          earnings and employer contributions as of December 31, 1988 in such
          Custodial Accounts may be withdrawn in the case of hardship).

C.   Any distribution other than the above, including a ten day free look
     cancellation of the contract (when available) may result in taxes,
     penalties, and/or retroactive disqualification of a Qualified Contract or
     Tax Sheltered Annuity.

In order to prevent disqualification of a Tax Sheltered Annuity after a ten day
free look cancellation, Nationwide will transfer the proceeds to another Tax
Sheltered Annuity upon proper direction by the contract owner.

Surrender provisions may be modified pursuant to the plan terms and tax
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code when a contract is issued to fund a
Qualified Plan.

These provisions explain Nationwide's understanding of current withdrawal
restrictions. These restrictions may change.





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<PAGE>   24
Distributions pursuant to Qualified Domestic Relations Orders will not violate
the restrictions stated above.

LOAN PRIVILEGE

The loan privilege is ONLY available to owners of Qualified Contracts and Tax
Sheltered Annuities. These contract owners can take loans from the contract
value beginning 30 days after the contract is issued up to the annuitization
date. Loans are subject to the terms of the contract, the plan, and the Internal
Revenue Code. Nationwide may modify the terms of a loan to comply with changes
in applicable law.

MINIMUM & MAXIMUM LOAN AMOUNTS

Contract owners may borrow a minimum of $1000, unless Nationwide is required by
law to allow a lesser minimum amount. Each loan must individually satisfy the
contract minimum amount.

Nationwide will calculate the maximum nontaxable loan amount based upon
information provided by the participant or the employer. Loans may be taxable if
a participant has additional loans from other plans. The total of all
outstanding loans must not exceed the following limits:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------- ------------ --------------------------
                CONTRACT     MAXIMUM OUTSTANDING LOAN
                VALUES       BALANCE ALLOWED
- --------------- ------------ --------------------------
<S>            <C>           <C>
NON-ERISA       up to        up to 80% of contract
PLANS           $20,000      value (not more than
                             $10,000)
- --------------- ------------ --------------------------
                $20,000      up to 50% of contract
                and over     value (not more than
                             $50,000*)
- --------------- ------------ --------------------------

- --------------- ------------ --------------------------
ERISA PLANS     All          up to 50% of contract
                             value (not more than
                             $50,000*)
- --------------- ------------ --------------------------
*The $50,000 limits will be reduced by the highest outstanding balance owed
during the previous 12 months.
</TABLE>
For salary reduction Tax Sheltered Annuities, loans may be secured only by the
contract value.

LOAN PROCESSING FEE

Nationwide may charge a Loan Processing Fee at the time each new loan is
processed. If assessed it compensates Nationwide for expenses related to
administering and processing loans. Loans are not available in all states. In
addition, some states may not allow Nationwide to assess a Loan Processing Fee.

HOW LOAN REQUESTS ARE PROCESSED

All loans are made from the collateral fixed account. Nationwide transfers
accumulation units in proportion to the assets in each sub-account to the
collateral fixed account until the requested amount is reached. If there are not
enough accumulation units available in the contract to reach the requested loan
amount, Nationwide next transfers contract value from the fixed account. No CDSC
will be deducted on transfers related to loan processing.

INTEREST

The outstanding loan balance in the collateral fixed account is credited with
interest until the loan is repaid in full. The interest rate will be 2.25% less
than the loan interest rate fixed by Nationwide. It is guaranteed never to fall
below 3.0%.

Specific loan terms are disclosed at the time of loan application or issuance.

LOAN REPAYMENT

Loans must be repaid in five years. However, if the loan is used to purchase the
contract owner's principal residence, the contract owner has 15 years to repay
the loan.

Contract owners must identify loan repayments as loan repayments or they will be
treated as purchase payments and will not reduce the outstanding loan. Payments
must be substantially level and made at least quarterly.

Loan repayments will consist of principal and interest in amounts set forth in
the loan agreement. Repayments are allocated to the sub-accounts in accordance
with the contract, unless Nationwide and the contract owner have agreed to amend
the contract at a later date on a case by case basis.


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<PAGE>   25



DISTRIBUTIONS & ANNUITY PAYMENTS

Distributions made from the contract while a loan is outstanding will be reduced
by the amount of the outstanding loan plus accrued interest if:

     -    the contract is surrendered;

     -    the contract owner/annuitant dies;

     -    the contract owner who is not the annuitant dies prior to
          annuitization; or

     -    annuity payments begin.

TRANSFERRING THE CONTRACT

Nationwide reserves the right to restrict any transfer of the contract while the
loan is outstanding.

GRACE PERIOD & LOAN DEFAULT

If a loan payment is not made when due, interest will continue to accrue. A
grace period may be available (please refer to the terms of the loan agreement).
If a loan payment is not made by the end of the applicable grace period, the
entire loan will be treated as a deemed distribution and will be taxable to the
borrower. This deemed distribution may also be subject to an early withdrawal
tax penalty by the Internal Revenue Service.

After default, interest will continue to accrue on the loan. Defaulted amounts,
plus interest, are deducted from the contract value when the participant is
eligible for a distribution of at least that amount. Additional loans are not
available while a previous loan is in default.

ASSIGNMENT

Contract rights are personal to the contract owner and may not be assigned
without Nationwide's written consent. Qualified Contracts, IRAs, SEP IRAs and
Tax Sheltered Annuities may not be assigned, pledged or otherwise transferred
except where allowed by law.

A Non-Qualified Contract owner may assign some or all rights under the contract.
An assignment must occur before annuitization while the annuitant is alive. Once
proper notice of assignment is recorded by Nationwide's home office, the
assignment will become effective as of the date the written request was signed.

Nationwide is not responsible for the validity or tax consequences of any
assignment. Nationwide is not liable for any payment or settlement made before
the assignment is recorded. Assignments will not be recorded until Nationwide
receives sufficient direction from the contract owner and the assignee regarding
the proper allocation of contract rights.

Amounts pledged or assigned will be treated as distributions and will be
included in gross income to the extent that the cash value exceeds the
investment in the contract for the taxable year in which it was pledged or
assigned. Amounts assigned may be subject to a tax penalty equal to 10% of the
amount included in gross income.

Assignment of the entire contract value may cause the portion of the contract
value exceeding the total investment in the contract and previously taxed
amounts to be included in gross income for federal income tax purposes each year
that the assignment is in effect.

CONTRACT OWNER SERVICES

ASSET REBALANCING

Asset rebalancing is the automatic reallocation of contract values to the
sub-accounts on a predetermined percentage basis. Asset rebalancing is not
available for assets held in the fixed account. Requests for asset rebalancing
must be on a Nationwide form.

Asset rebalancing occurs every three months or on another frequency if permitted
by Nationwide. If the last day of the three-month period falls on a Saturday,
Sunday, recognized holiday, or any other day when the New York Stock Exchange is
closed, asset rebalancing will occur on the next business day.




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<PAGE>   26

Asset rebalancing may be subject to employer limitations or restrictions for
contracts issued to a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity plan. Contract
owners should consult a financial adviser to discuss the use of asset
rebalancing.

Nationwide reserves the right to stop establishing new asset rebalancing
programs. Nationwide also reserves the right to assess a processing fee for this
service.

DOLLAR COST AVERAGING

Dollar Cost Averaging is a long-term transfer program that allows you to make
regular, level investments over time. It involves the automatic transfer of a
specified amount from certain sub-accounts and the fixed account into other
sub-accounts. Contract owners may participate in this program if their contract
value is $5,000 or more. Nationwide does not guarantee that this program will
result in profit or protect contract owners from loss.

Contract owners direct Nationwide to automatically transfer specified amounts
from the fixed account, the NSAT-Government Bond Fund, and the NSAT-Money Market
Fund to any other underlying mutual fund. The minimum monthly transfer is $100.
Transfers from the fixed account must be equal to or less than 1/30th of the
fixed account value at the time the program is requested.

Transfers occur monthly or on another frequency if permitted by Nationwide.
Nationwide will process transfers until either the value in the originating
investment option is exhausted, or the contract owner instructs Nationwide in
writing to stop the transfers.

Nationwide reserves the right to stop establishing new Dollar Cost Averaging
programs. Nationwide also reserves the right to assess a processing fee for this
service.

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS

Systematic withdrawals allow contract owners to receive a specified amount (of
at least $100) on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis. Requests
for systematic withdrawals and requests to discontinue systematic withdrawals
must be in writing.

The withdrawals will be taken from the sub-accounts and the fixed account
proportionately unless Nationwide is instructed otherwise. A CDSC may apply.

Nationwide will withhold federal income taxes from systematic withdrawals unless
otherwise instructed by the contract owner. The Internal Revenue Service may
impose a 10% penalty tax if the contract owner is under age 59 1/2 unless the
contract owner has made an irrevocable election of distributions of
substantially equal payments. A CDSC may apply.

Nationwide reserves the right to stop establishing new systematic withdrawal
programs. Nationwide also reserves the right to assess a processing fee for this
service. Systematic withdrawals are not available before the end of the ten-day
free look period (see "Right to Revoke").

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE

The annuity commencement date is the date on which annuity payments are
scheduled to begin. The contract owner may change the annuity commencement date
before annuitization. This change must be in writing and approved by Nationwide.

ANNUITIZING THE CONTRACT

ANNUITIZATION DATE

The annuitization date is the date that annuity payments begin. It will be the
first day of a calendar month unless otherwise agreed, and must be at least 2
years after the contract is issued. If the contract is issued to fund a
Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity plan, annuitization may occur during the
first 2 years subject to Nationwide's approval.

ANNUITIZATION

Annuitization is the period during which annuity payments are received. It is
irrevocable once


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payments have begun. Upon arrival of the annuitization date, the annuitant must
choose:

     (1)  an annuity payment option; and

     (2)  either a fixed payment annuity, variable payment annuity, or an
          available combination.

Nationwide guarantees that each payment under a fixed payment annuity will be
the same throughout annuitization. Under a variable payment annuity, the amount
of each payment will vary with the performance of the underlying mutual funds
chosen by the contract owner.

FIXED PAYMENT ANNUITY

A fixed payment annuity is an annuity where the amount of the annuity payment
remains level.

The first payment under a fixed payment annuity is determined on the
annuitization date on an age last birthday basis by:

     1)   deducting applicable premium taxes from the total contract value; then

     2)   applying the contract value amount specified by the contract owner to
          the fixed payment annuity table for the annuity payment option
          elected.

Subsequent payments will remain level unless the annuity payment option elected
provides otherwise. Nationwide does not credit discretionary interest during
annuitization.

VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY

A variable payment annuity is an annuity where the amount of the annuity
payments will vary depending on the performance of the underlying mutual funds
selected.

The first payment under a variable payment annuity is determined on the
annuitization date on an age last birthday basis by:

     1)   deducting applicable premium taxes from the total contract value; then

     2)   applying the contract value amount specified by the contract owner to
          the variable payment annuity table for the annuity payment option
          elected.

The dollar amount of the first payment is converted into a set number of annuity
units that will represent each monthly payment. This is done by dividing the
dollar amount of the first payment by the value of an annuity unit as of the
annuitization date. This number of annuity units remains fixed during
annuitization.

The second and subsequent payments are determined by multiplying the fixed
number of annuity units by the annuity unit value for the valuation period in
which the payment is due. The amount of the second and subsequent payments will
vary with the performance of the selected underlying mutual funds. Nationwide
guarantees that variations in mortality experience from assumptions used to
calculate the first payment will not affect the dollar amount of the second and
subsequent payments.

ASSUMED INVESTMENT RATE

An assumed investment rate is the percentage rate of return assumed to determine
the amount of the first payment under a variable payment annuity. Nationwide
uses the assumed investment rate of 3.5% to calculate the first annuity payment.
The assumed investment rate of 3.5% is the percentage rate of return required to
maintain level variable annuity payments. Subsequent variable annuity payments
may be more or less than the first based on whether actual investment
performance is higher or lower than the assumed investment rate of 3.5%.

VALUE OF AN ANNUITY UNIT

Annuity unit values for sub-accounts are determined by multiplying the net
investment factor for the valuation period for which the annuity unit is being
calculated by the immediately preceding valuation period's annuity unit value,
and multiplying the result by an interest factor to neutralize the assumed
investment rate of 3.5% per annum built into the variable payment annuity
purchase rate basis in the contracts.



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EXCHANGES AMONG UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS

Exchanges among underlying mutual funds during annuitization must be in writing.
Exchanges will occur on each anniversary of the annuitization date.

FREQUENCY AND AMOUNT OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS

Payments are made based on the annuity payment option selected, unless:

   -  the amount to be distributed is less than $500, in which case Nationwide
      may make one lump sum payment of the contract value; or

   -  an annuity payment would be less than $20, in which case Nationwide can
      change the frequency of payments to intervals that will result in payments
      of at least $20. Payments will be made at least annually.

ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTIONS

Contract owners must elect an annuity payment option before the annuitization
date. The annuity payment options are:

(1)  LIFE ANNUITY - An annuity payable periodically, but at least annually, for
     the lifetime of the annuitant. Payments will end upon the annuitant's
     death. For example, if the annuitant dies before the second annuity payment
     date, the annuitant will receive only one annuity payment. The annuitant
     will only receive two annuity payments if he or she dies before the third
     annuity payment date, and so on.

(2)  JOINT AND LAST SURVIVOR ANNUITY - An annuity payable periodically, but at
     least annually, during the joint lifetimes of the annuitant and a
     designated second individual. If one of these parties dies, payments will
     continue for the lifetime of the survivor. As is the case under option 1,
     there is no guaranteed number of payments. Payments end upon the death of
     the last surviving party, regardless of the number of payments received.

(3)  LIFE ANNUITY WITH 120 OR 240 MONTHLY PAYMENTS GUARANTEED - An annuity
     payable monthly during the lifetime of the annuitant. If the annuitant dies
     before all of the guaranteed payments have been made, payments will
     continue to the end of the guaranteed period and will be paid to a designee
     chosen by the annuitant at the time the annuity payment option was elected.

     The designee may elect to receive the present value of the remaining
     guaranteed payments in a lump sum. The present value will be computed as of
     the date Nationwide receives the notice of the annuitant's death.

Not all of the annuity payment options may be available in all states. Contract
owners may request other options before the annuitization date. These options
are subject to Nationwide's approval.

No distribution for Non-Qualified Contracts will be made until an annuity
payment option has been elected. Qualified Contracts, IRAs, SEP IRAs and Tax
Sheltered Annuities are subject to the "minimum distribution" requirements set
forth in the plan, contract, and the Internal Revenue Code.

DEATH BENEFITS

DEATH OF CONTRACT OWNER - NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

If the contract owner who is not the annuitant dies before the annuitization
date, the joint owner becomes the contract owner. If no joint owner is named,
the contingent owner becomes the contract owner. If no contingent owner is
named, the last surviving contract owner's estate becomes the contract owner.

If the contract owner and annuitant are the same, and the contract
owner/annuitant dies before the annuitization date, the contingent owner will
not have any rights in the contract unless the contingent owner is also the
beneficiary.

Distributions under Non-Qualified Contracts will be made pursuant to the
"Required Distributions for Non-Qualified Contracts" provision.


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<PAGE>   29


DEATH OF ANNUITANT - NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

If the annuitant who is not the contract owner dies before the annuitization
date, a death benefit is payable to the beneficiary unless a contingent
annuitant is named. If a contingent annuitant is named, the contingent annuitant
becomes the annuitant and no death benefit is payable.

If no beneficiary(ies) survive the annuitant, the contingent beneficiary(ies)
receives the death benefit. Contingent beneficiaries will share the death
benefit equally, unless otherwise specified.

If no beneficiaries or contingent beneficiaries survive the annuitant, the
contract owner or the last surviving contract owner's estate will receive the
death benefit.

If the annuitant dies after the annuitization date, any benefit that may be
payable will be paid according to the selected annuity payment option

DEATH OF CONTRACT OWNER/ANNUITANT

If a contract owner who is also the annuitant dies before the annuitization
date, a death benefit is payable according to the "Death of the Annuitant -
Non-Qualified Contracts" provision.

If the contract owner/annuitant dies after the annuitization date, any benefit
that may be payable will be paid according to the selected annuity payment
option.

HOW THE DEATH BENEFIT VALUE IS DETERMINED

The death benefit value is determined as of the date Nationwide receives:

   (1)  proper proof of the annuitant's death;

   (2)  an election specifying the distribution method; and

   (3)  any state required form(s).

The beneficiary may elect to receive the death benefit:

   (1)  in a lump sum;

   (2)  as an annuity; or

   (3)  in any other manner permitted by law and approved by Nationwide.

The beneficiary must notify Nationwide of this election within 60 days of the
annuitant's death.

DEATH BENEFIT PAYMENT

For contracts issued on or after the later of May 1, 1998 or the date on which
state insurance authorities approved applicable contract modifications:

   - If the annuitant dies prior to his or her 75th birthday and prior to the
     annuitization date, the dollar amount of the death benefit will be the
     greater of:

     (1)  the contract value; or

     (2)  the sum of all purchase payments, increased at an annual rate of 5%
          simple interest from the date of each purchase payment for each full
          year the payment has been in force, less an adjustment for amounts
          surrendered.

   - If the annuitant dies on or after his or her 75th birthday and prior to
     Annuitization, the death benefit will equal the contract value.

     The adjustment for amounts surrendered will reduce item (2) above in the
     same proportion that the contract value was reduced on the date(s) of the
     partial surrender(s).

For contracts issued prior to May 1, 1998 or a date prior to which state
insurance authorities approved applicable contract modifications:

   - If the annuitant dies prior to his or her 75th birthday and prior to the
     annuitization date, the dollar amount of the death benefit will be the
     greater of:

         (1)   the contract value; or

         (2)  the sum of all purchase payments, increased at an annual rate of
              5% simple interest from the date of each purchase payment for each
              full year the payment has been in force, less any amounts
              surrendered.

   -  If the annuitant dies on or after his or her 75th birthday and prior to
     Annuitization, the death benefit will equal the contract value.


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<PAGE>   30

DEATH BENEFIT FOR NEW YORK AND NORTH CAROLINA CONTRACT OWNERS

For contracts issued in the states of New York and North Carolina on or after
the later of May 1, 1998 or a date on which state insurance authorities approve
applicable contract modifications, the amount of the death benefit will be the
greater of:

   (1) the sum of all purchase payments, less an adjustment for amounts
       surrendered, or

   (2) the contract value.

For contracts issued in the states of New York and North Carolina prior to May
1, 1998 or a date prior to which state insurance authorities approve applicable
contract modifications the amount of the death benefit will be the greater of:


   (1) the sum of all purchase payments, less any amounts surrendered, or

   (2) the contract value.

The amount of the death benefit will be limited to the contract value if the
annuity commencement date is deferred beyond the annuitant's 75th birthday.

If the annuitant dies after the annuitization date, any benefit that may be
payable will be determined according to the annuity payment option elected.

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

Internal Revenue Code Section 72(s) requires Nationwide to make certain
distributions when a contract owner dies. The following distributions will be
made according to those requirements:

   1)  If any contract owner dies on or after the annuitization date and before
       the entire interest in the contract has been distributed, then the
       remaining interest must be distributed at least as rapidly as the
       distribution method in effect on the contract owner's death.

   2)  If any contract owner dies before the annuitization date, then the entire
       interest in the contract (consisting of either the death benefit or the
       contract value reduced by charges set forth elsewhere in the contract)
       will be distributed within 5 years of the contract owner's death,
       provided however:

       a)  any interest payable to or for the benefit of a natural person
           (referred to herein as a "designated beneficiary"), may be
           distributed over the life of the designated beneficiary or over a
           period not longer than the life expectancy of the designated
           beneficiary. Payments must begin within one year of the contract
           owner's death unless otherwise permitted by federal income tax
           regulations;

       b)  if the designated beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the deceased
           contract owner, the spouse can choose to become the contract owner
           instead of receiving a death benefit. Any distributions required
           under these distribution rules will be made upon that spouse's death.

In the event that the contract owner is NOT a natural person (e.g., a trust or
corporation), then, for purposes of these distribution provisions:

   a)   the death of the annuitant will be treated as the death of a contract
        owner;

   b)   any change of annuitant will be treated as the death of a contract
        owner; and

   c)   in either case, the appropriate distribution will be made upon the death
        or change, as the case may be.

These distribution provisions do not apply to any contract exempt from Section
72(s) of the Internal Revenue Code by reason of Section 72(s)(5) or any other
law or rule.

The designated beneficiary must elect a method of distribution and notify
Nationwide of this


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<PAGE>   31


election within 60 days of the contract owner's death.

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR QUALIFIED PLANS OR TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES

Distributions from Qualified Contracts or Tax Sheltered Annuities will be made
according to the Minimum Distribution and Incidental Benefit ("MDIB") provisions
of Section 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code. Distributions will be made to
the annuitant according to the selected annuity payment option over a period not
longer than:

   a)  the life of the annuitant or the joint lives of the annuitant and the
        annuitant's designated beneficiary; or

   b)  a period not longer than the life expectancy of the annuitant or the
       joint life expectancies of the annuitant and the annuitant's designated
       beneficiary.

Required distributions do not have to be withdrawn from this contract if they
are being withdrawn from another Tax Sheltered Annuity of the annuitant.

If the annuitant's entire interest in a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity
will be distributed in equal or substantially equal payments over a period
described in a) or b), the payments will begin on the required beginning date.
The required beginning date is the later of:

   a)  April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the
       annuitant reaches age 70 1/2; or

   b)  the annuitant's retirement date.

Provision b) does not apply to any employee who is a 5% owner (as defined in
Section 416 of the Internal Revenue Code) with respect to the plan year ending
in the calendar year when the employee attains the age of 70 1/2.

Distributions commencing on the required distribution date must satisfy MDIB
provisions set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. Those provisions require that
distribution cannot be less than the amount determined by dividing the
annuitant's interest in the Tax Sheltered Annuity by the end of the previous
calendar year by:

   a)  the annuitant's life expectancy, or if applicable;

   b)  the joint and survivor life expectancy of the annuitant and the
       annuitant's beneficiary.

The life expectancies and joint life expectancies are determined by reference to
Treasury Regulation 1.72-9.

If the annuitant dies before distributions begin, the interest in the Qualified
Contract or Tax Sheltered Annuity must be distributed by December 31 of the
calendar year in which the fifth anniversary of the annuitant's death occurs
unless:

   a)  the annuitant names his or her surviving spouse as the beneficiary and
       the spouse chooses to receive distribution of the contract in
       substantially equal payments over his or her life (or a period not longer
       than his or her life expectancy) and beginning no later than December 31
       of the year in which the annuitant would have attained age 70 1/2; or

   b)  the annuitant names a beneficiary other than his or her surviving spouse
       and the beneficiary elects to receive distribution of the contract in
       substantially equal payments over his or her life (or a period not longer
       than his or her life expectancy) beginning no later than December 31 of
       the year following the year in which the annuitant dies.

If the annuitant dies after distributions have begun, distributions must
continue at least as rapidly as under the schedule used before the annuitant's
death.

If distribution requirements are not met, a penalty tax of 50% is levied on the
difference between the amount that should have been distributed for that year
and the amount that actually was distributed for that year.


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<PAGE>   32

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES OR SEP IRAS

Distributions from an Individual Retirement Annuity or SEP IRA must begin no
later than April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the
contract owner reaches age 70 1/2. Distribution may be paid in a lump sum or in
substantially equal payments over:

   a)   the contract owner's life or the lives of the contract owner and his or
        her spouse or designated beneficiary; or

   b)   a period not longer than the life expectancy of the contract owner or
        the joint life expectancy of the contract owner and the contract owner's
        designated beneficiary.

If the contract owner dies before distributions begin, the interest in the
Individual Retirement Annuity or SEP IRA must be distributed by December 31 of
the calendar year in which the fifth anniversary of the contract owner's death
occurs, unless:

   a)   the contract owner names his or her surviving spouse as the beneficiary
        and such spouse chooses to:

       1)   treat the contract as an Individual Retirement Annuity or SEP IRA
            established for his or her benefit; or

       2)  receive distribution of the contract in substantially equal payments
           over his or her life (or a period not longer than his or her life
           expectancy) and beginning no later than December 31 of the year in
           which the contract owner would have reached age 70 1/2; or

   b)  the contract owner names a beneficiary other than his or her surviving
       spouse and such beneficiary elects to receive a distribution of the
       contract in substantially equal payments over his or her life (or a
       period not longer than his or her life expectancy) beginning no later
       than December 31 of the year following the year of the contract owner's
       death.

Required distributions do not have to be withdrawn from this contract if they
are being withdrawn from another Individual Retirement Annuity, SEP IRA or
Individual Retirement Account of the contract owner.

If the contract owner dies after distributions have begun, distributions must
continue at least as rapidly as under the schedule being used before the
contract owner's death. However, a surviving spouse who is the beneficiary under
the annuity payment option may treat the contract as his or her own, in the same
manner as is described in section (a)(i) of this provision.

If distribution requirements are not met, a penalty tax of 50% is levied on the
difference between the amount that should have been distributed for that year
and the amount that actually was distributed for that year.

A portion of each distribution will be included in the recipient's gross income
and taxed at ordinary income tax rates. The portion of a distribution which is
taxable is based on the ratio between the amount by which non-deductible
purchase payments exceed prior non-taxable distributions and total account
balances at the time of the distribution. The owner of an Individual Retirement
Annuity or SEP IRA must annually report the amount of non-deductible purchase
payments, the amount of any distribution, the amount by which non-deductible
purchase payments for all years exceed non-taxable distributions for all years,
and the total balance of all Individual Retirement Annuities.

Individual Retirement Annuity or SEP IRA distributions will not receive the
favorable tax treatment of a lump sum distribution from a Qualified Plan. If the
contract owner dies before the entire interest in the contract has been
distributed, the balance will also be included in his or her gross estate.

Simplified Employee Pensions (SEPS) and Salary Reduction Simplified Employee
Pensions


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<PAGE>   33

(SAR SEPS), described in Internal Revenue Code Section 408(k) are taxed in a
manner similar to IRAs, and are subject to similar distribution requirements as
IRAs. SAR SEPs cannot be established after 1996.

FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

Contract owners should consult a financial consultant, legal counsel or tax
adviser to discuss in detail the taxation and the use of the contracts.

Nationwide does not guarantee the tax status of the contracts or any
transactions involving the contracts.

Section 72 of the Internal Revenue Code governs federal income taxation of
annuities in general. That section sets forth different rules for: (1)
Individual Retirement Annuities and Individual Retirement Accounts; (2) SEP
IRAs; (3) Qualified Contracts; (4) Tax Sheltered Annuities; and (5)
Non-Qualified Contracts. Each type of annuity is discussed below.

Individual Retirement Annuities, SEP IRAs and Individual Retirement Accounts

Distributions from Individual Retirement Annuities, SEP IRAs and contracts owned
by Individual Retirement Accounts are generally taxed when received. The
excludable portion of each payment is based on the ratio between the amount by
which non-deductible purchase payments to all the contracts exceeds prior
non-taxable distributions from the contracts, and the total account balances in
the contracts at the time of the distribution. The owner of these Individual
Retirement Annuities or SEP IRAs, or the annuitant under contracts held by
Individual Retirement Accounts must annually report to the Internal Revenue
Service:

   -  the amount of nondeductible purchase payments;

   -  the amount of any distributions;

   -  the amount by which nondeductible purchase payments for all years exceed
      non-taxable distributions for all years; and

   -  the total balance in all Individual Retirement Annuities, SEP IRAs and
      Individual Retirement Accounts.

Tax Sheltered Annuities and Qualified Contracts

Distributions from Tax Sheltered Annuities and Qualified Contracts are generally
taxed when received. A portion of each distribution is excludable from income
based on a formula required by the Internal Revenue Code. The formula excludes
from income the amount invested in the contract divided by the number of
anticipated payments (as determined pursuant to Section 72(d) of the Internal
Revenue Code) until the full investment in the contract is recovered. Thereafter
all distributions are fully taxable.

Non-Qualified Contracts - Natural Persons as Contract Owners

The rules applicable to Non-Qualified Contracts provide that a portion of each
annuity payment is excludable from taxable income based on the ratio between the
contract owner's investment in the contract and the expected return on the
contract until the investment has been recovered. Thereafter the entire amount
is includible in income. The maximum amount excludable from income is the
investment in the contract. If the annuitant dies before the entire investment
in the contract has been excluded from income, and no additional payments are
due after his or her death, then he or she may be entitled to a deduction for
the balance of the investment on his or her final income tax return.

Distributions before the annuitization date are taxable to the contract owner to
the extent that the cash value of the contract exceeds the contract owner's
investment at the time of the distribution. Distributions, for this purpose,
include partial surrenders, dividends, loans, or any portion of the contract
that is assigned or pledged; or for contracts issued after April 22, 1987, any
portion of the contract transferred by


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<PAGE>   34

gift. For these purposes, a transfer by gift may occur upon annuitization if the
contract owner and the annuitant are not the same individual.

In determining the taxable amount of a distribution, all annuity contracts
issued after October 21, 1988 by the same company to the same contract owner
during any 12-month period will be treated as one annuity contract. Additional
limitations on the use of multiple contracts may be imposed by Treasury
Regulations.

Distributions before the annuitization date allocable to a portion of the
contract invested prior to August 14, 1982, are treated first as a recovery of
the investment in the contract as of that date. A distribution in excess of the
amount of the investment in the contract as of August 14, 1982, will be treated
as taxable income.

The Tax Reform Act of 1986 has changed the tax treatment of certain
Non-Qualified Contracts held by entities other than individuals. Such entities
are taxed currently on earnings from contributions made to the contract after
February 28, 1986. There are exceptions for immediate annuities and certain
contracts owned for the benefit of an individual. An immediate annuity, for
purposes of this discussion, is a single premium contract on which payments
begin within one year of purchase. If this contract is issued as the result of
an exchange described in Section 1035 of the Internal Revenue Code, for purposes
of determining whether the contract is an immediate annuity, it will generally
be considered to have been purchased on the purchase date of the contract given
up in the exchange.

Internal Revenue Code Section 72 also assesses a penalty tax if a distribution
is made before the contract owner reaches age 59 1/2. The amount of the penalty
is 10% of the portion of any distribution that is includible in gross income.
The penalty tax does not apply if the distribution

     1)  is the result of a contract owner's death;

     2)  is the result of a contract owner's disability;

     3)  is one of a series of substantially equal periodic payments made over
         the life or life expectancy of the contract owner (or the joint lives
         or joint life expectancies of the contract owner and the beneficiary
         selected by the contract owner to receive payment under the annuity
         payment option selected by the contract owner),

     4)  is for the purchase of an immediate annuity;

     5)  is allocable to an investment in the contract before August 14, 1982.

A contract owner that wants to begin taking distributions to which the 10% tax
penalty does not apply should forward a written request to Nationwide. Upon
receipt of this written request, Nationwide will inform the contract owner of
Nationwide's policies and procedures, as well as contract limitations. An
election to begin taking these withdrawals will be irrevocable and may not be
amended or changed.

In order to qualify as an annuity contract under Section 72 of the Internal
Revenue Code, the contract must provide for distribution of the entire contract
upon a contract owner's death. These rules are described in "Required
Distributions for Non-Qualified Contracts."

The Internal Revenue Code requires that any election to receive an annuity
instead of a lump sum payment be made within 60 days after the lump sum becomes
payable (generally, within 60 days of the death of a contract owner or the
annuitant). As long as the election is made within the 60 day period, each
distribution will be taxable when it is paid. Upon the end of this 60 day
period, if no election has been made, the entire amount of the lump sum will be
subject to immediate tax, even if the payee decides at a later date to take the
distribution as an annuity.


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<PAGE>   35

Non-Qualified Contracts - Non-Natural Persons as Contract Owners

The previous discussion related to the taxation of Non-Qualified Contracts owned
(or, pursuant to Section 72(u) of the Internal Revenue Code, deemed to be owned)
by individuals. Different rules apply if the contract owner is not a natural
person.

Generally, contracts owned by corporations, partnerships, trusts, and similar
entities ("non-natural persons") are not treated as annuity contracts under the
Internal Revenue Code. Specifically, they are not treated as annuity contracts
for purposes of Section 72. Therefore, income earned under a Non-Qualified
Contract that is owned by a non-natural person is taxed as ordinary income
during the taxable year that it is earned. Taxation is not deferred, even if the
income is not distributed out of the contract to the contract owner.

This non-natural person rule does not apply to all entity-owned contracts. A
contract that is owned by a non-natural person as an agent for an individual is
treated as owned by the individual. This would put the contract back under
Section 72, allowing tax deferral. However, this exception does not apply when
the non-natural person is an employer that holds the contract under a
non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement for one or more employees.

The non-natural person rule also does not apply to contracts that are:

   a)   acquired by the estate of a decedent by reason of the death of the
        decedent;

   b)   issued in connection with certain qualified retirement plans and
        individual retirement plans;

   c)   used in connection with certain structured settlements;

   d)   purchased by an employer upon the termination of certain qualified
        retirement plans; or

   e)   an immediate annuity.

QUALIFIED PLANS, SEP IRAS, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES AND TAX SHELTERED
ANNUITIES

Contract owners looking for information on eligibility, limitations on
permissible amounts of purchase payments, and the tax consequences of
distributions from Qualified Plans, SEP IRAs, Individual Retirement Annuities
and Tax Sheltered Annuities should contact a qualified adviser. The terms of
each plan may limit the rights available under the contracts.

Section 403(b)(1)(E) of the Internal Revenue Code requires a contract issued as
a Tax Sheltered Annuity to limit purchase payments for any year to an amount
that does not exceed the limit set forth in Section 402(g) of the Internal
Revenue Code. This limit is increased from time to time to reflect increases in
the cost of living. This limit may be reduced by deposits, contributions or
payments made to another Tax Sheltered Annuity or other plan, contract or
arrangement by or on behalf of the contract owner.

The Internal Revenue Code allows most distributions from Qualified Plans to be
rolled into other Qualified Plans, SEP IRAs or Individual Retirement Annuities.
Most distributions from Tax Sheltered Annuities may be rolled into another Tax
Sheltered Annuity, Individual Retirement Annuity, SEP IRA or an Individual
Retirement Account.  Distributions that may NOT be rolled over are those that
are:

   a)   one of a series of substantially equal annual (or more frequent)
        payments made:

        1)  over the life (or life expectancy) of the contract owner;

        2)  over the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the contract
            owner and the contract owner's designated beneficiary;

        3)  for a specified period of ten years or more; or

   b)   a required minimum distribution.


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<PAGE>   36


Any distribution that is eligible for rollover will be subject to federal tax
withholding of 20% if the distribution is not rolled into an appropriate plan as
described above.

The contracts are available for Qualified Plans electing to comply with Section
404(c) of ERISA. It is the plan's responsibility to determine and satisfy the
requirements of 404(c).

Individual Retirement Accounts, SEP IRAs and Individual Retirement Annuities may
not provide life insurance benefits. If the death benefit exceeds the greater of
the contract's cash value or the sum of all purchase payments (less any
surrenders), the contract could be considered life insurance. Consequently, the
Internal Revenue Service could determine that the Individual Retirement Account,
SEP IRA or Individual Retirement Annuity does not qualify for the desired tax
treatment.

WITHHOLDING

Pre-death distributions from the contracts are subject to federal income tax.
Nationwide will withhold the tax from the distributions unless the contract
owner requests otherwise. Contract owners may not waive withholding if the
distribution is subject to mandatory back-up withholding (if no mandatory
taxpayer identification number is given or if the Internal Revenue Service
notifies Nationwide that mandatory back-up withholding is required), or if it is
an eligible rollover distribution. Mandatory back-up withholding rates are 31%
of income that is distributed.

NON-RESIDENT ALIENS

Generally, a pre-death distribution from a contract to a non-resident alien is
subject to federal income tax at a rate of 30% of the amount of income that is
distributed. Nationwide is required to withhold this amount and send it to the
Internal Revenue Service. Some distributions to non-resident aliens may be
subject to a lower (or no) tax if a treaty applies. In order to obtain the
benefits of such a treaty, the non-resident alien must:

   1)   provide Nationwide with proof of residency and citizenship (in
        accordance with Internal Revenue Service requirements); and

   2)   provide Nationwide with an individual taxpayer identification number.

If the non-resident alien does not meet the above conditions, Nationwide will
withhold 30% of income from the distribution.

Another way to avoid the 30% withholding is for the non-resident alien to
provide Nationwide with sufficient evidence that:

   1)   the distribution is connected to the non-resident alien's conduct of
        business in the United States; and

   2)   the distribution is includible in the non-resident alien's gross income
        for United States federal income tax purposes.

Note that these distributions may be subject to back-up withholding, currently
31%, if a correct taxpayer identification number is not provided.

FEDERAL ESTATE, GIFT, AND GENERATION SKIPPING TRANSFER TAXES

The following transfers may be considered a gift for federal gift tax purposes:

    - a transfer of the contract from one contract owner to another; or

    - a distribution to someone other than a contract owner.

Upon the contract owner's death, the value of the contract may be subject to
estate taxes, even if all or a portion of the value is also subject to federal
income taxes.

Section 2612 of the Internal Revenue Code may require Nationwide to determine
whether a death benefit or other distribution is a "direct skip" and the amount
of the resulting generation skipping transfer tax, if any. A direct skip is when
property is transferred to, or a death benefit or other distribution is made to:


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<PAGE>   37

   a)    an individual who is two or more generations younger than the contract
         owner; or

   b)    certain trusts, as described in Section 2613 of the Internal Revenue
         Code (generally, trusts that have no beneficiaries who are not 2 or
         more generations younger than the contract owner).

If the contract owner is not an individual, then for this purpose ONLY,
"contract owner" refers to any person:

     -  who would be required to include the contract, death benefit,
        distribution, or other payment in his or her federal gross estate at his
        or her death; or

     -  who is required to report the transfer of the contract, death benefit,
        distribution, or other payment for federal gift tax purposes.

If a transfer is a direct skip, Nationwide will deduct the amount of the
transfer tax from the death benefit, distribution or other payment, and remit it
directly to the Internal Revenue Service.

PUERTO RICO

Under the Puerto Rico tax code, distributions from a Non-Qualified Contract
before annuitization are treated as nontaxable return of principal until the
principal is fully recovered. Thereafter all distributions are fully taxable.
Distributions after annuitization are treated as part taxable income and part
nontaxable return of principal. The amount excluded from gross income after
annuitization is equal to the amount of the distribution in excess of 3% of the
total purchase payments paid, until an amount equal to the total purchase
payments paid has been excluded. Thereafter, the entire distribution is included
in gross income. Puerto Rico does not impose an early withdrawal penalty tax.
Generally, Puerto Rico does not require income tax to be withheld from
distributions of income. A personal adviser should be consulted in these
situations.


CHARGE FOR TAX

Nationwide is not required to maintain a capital gain reserve liability on
Non-Qualified Contracts. If tax laws change requiring a reserve, Nationwide may
implement and adjust a tax charge.

DIVERSIFICATION

Internal Revenue Code Section 817(h) contains rules on diversification
requirements for variable annuity contracts. A variable annuity contract that
does not meet these diversification requirements will not be treated as an
annuity, unless

   -  the failure to diversify was accidental;

   -  the failure is corrected; and

   -  a fine is paid to the Internal Revenue Service.

The amount of the fine will be the amount of tax that would have been paid by
the contract owner if the income, for the period the contract was not
diversified, had been received by the contract owner.

If the violation is not corrected, the contract owner will be considered the
owner of the underlying securities and will be taxed on the earnings of his or
her contract. Nationwide believes that the investments underlying this contract
meet these diversification requirements.

TAX CHANGES

The foregoing tax information is based on Nationwide's understanding of federal
tax laws. It is NOT intended as tax advice. All information is subject to change
without notice. For more details, contact your personal tax and/or financial
adviser.

STATEMENTS AND REPORTS

Nationwide will mail contract owners statements and reports. Therefore, contract
owners should promptly notify Nationwide of any address change.

These mailings will contain:


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<PAGE>   38

    -   statements showing the contract's quarterly activity;

    -   confirmation statements showing transactions that affect the
        contract's value. Confirmation statements will not be sent for recurring
        transactions (i.e., Dollar Cost Averaging or salary reduction programs).
        Instead, confirmation of recurring transactions will appear in the
        contract's quarterly statements;

        -   annual and semi-annual reports containing all applicable information
            and financial statements or their equivalent, which must be sent to
            the underlying mutual fund beneficial shareholders as required by
            the rules under the Investment Company Act of 1940 for the variable
            account.

Contract owners should review statements and confirmations carefully. All errors
or corrections must be reported to Nationwide immediately to assure proper
crediting to the contract. Unless Nationwide is notified within 30 days of
receipt of the statement, Nationwide will assume statements and confirmation
statements are correct.

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ISSUES

Nationwide has developed and implemented a plan to address issues related to the
Year 2000. The problem relates to many existing computer systems using only two
digits to identify a year in a date field. These systems were designed and
developed without considering the impact of the upcoming change in the century.
If not corrected, many computer systems could fail or create erroneous results
when processing information dated after December 31, 1999. Like many
organizations, Nationwide is required to renovate or replace many computer
systems so that the systems will function properly after December 31, 1999.

Nationwide has completed an inventory and assessment of all computer systems and
has implemented a plan to renovate or replace all applications that were
identified as not Year 2000 compliant. Nationwide has renovated all applications
that required renovation. Testing of the renovated programs included running
each application in a Year 2000 environment and was completed as planned during
1998. For applications being replaced, Nationwide had all replacement systems in
place and functioning as planned by year-end 1998. Conversions of existing
traditional life policies will continue through second quarter, 1999. In
addition, the shareholder services system that support our mutual fund products
will be fully deployed in the first quarter of 1999.

Nationwide has completed an inventory and assessment of all vendor products and
has tested and certified that each vendor product is Year 2000 compliant. Any
vendor products that could not be certified as Year 2000 compliant were replaced
or eliminated in 1998.

Nationwide has also addressed issues associated with the exchange of electronic
data with external organizations. Nationwide has completed an inventory and
assessment of all business partners including electronic interfaces. Processes
have been put in place and programs initiated to process data irrespective of
the format by converting non-compliant data into a Year 2000 compliant format.

Systems supporting Nationwide's infrastructure such as telecommunications, voice
and networks will be compliant by March 1999. Nationwide's assessment of Year
2000 issues has also included non-information technology systems with embedded
computer chips. Nationwide's building systems such as fire, security, elevators
and escalators supporting facilities in Columbus, Ohio have been tested and are
Year 2000 compliant.

In addition to resolving internal Year 2000 readiness issues, Nationwide is
surveying significant external organizations (business partners) to assess if
they will be Year 2000 compliant and be in a position to do business in the Year
2000 and beyond. Specifically, Nationwide has contacted mutual fund
organizations that provide funds for our variable annuity and life products. The
same action will


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continue during the first quarter of 1999 with wholesale producers. Nationwide
continues its efforts to identify external risk factors and is planning to
develop contingency plans as part of its ongoing risk management strategy.

Operating expenses in 1998 and 1997 included approximately $44.7 million and
$45.4 million, respectively, for technology projects, including costs related to
Year 2000. Nationwide anticipates spending approximately $5 million on Year 2000
activities in 1999. These expenses do not have an effect on the assets of the
variable account and are not charged through to the contract owner.

Management does not anticipate that the completion of Year 2000 renovation and
replacement activities will result in a reduction in operating expenses. Rather,
personnel and resources currently allocated to Year 2000 issues will be assigned
to other technology-related projects.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Nationwide is a party to litigation and arbitration proceedings in the ordinary
course of its business, none of which is expected to have a material adverse
effect on Nationwide.

The general distributor, Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. is not engaged in
any litigation of any material nature.

In recent years, life insurance companies have been named as defendants in
lawsuits, including class action lawsuits, relating to life insurance and
annuity pricing and sales practices. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in
substantial jury awards or settlements.

In February 1997, Nationwide was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in New
York state court related to the sale of whole life policies on a "vanishing
premium" basis (John H. Snyder v. Nationwide Life Insurance Company). In April
1998, Nationwide was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in Ohio state court
similar to the Snyder case (David and Joan Mishler v. Nationwide Life Insurance
Company). In August 1998, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Nationwide and
the plaintiffs executed a stipulation of settlement and submitted it to the New
York state court for approval. On August 20, 1998, the court in the Snyder case
signed an order preliminarily approving a class for settlement purposes (which
would include the Mishler case) and scheduled a fairness hearing for December
17, 1998. At the hearing, the court reviewed the fairness and reasonableness of
the proposed settlement and issued a final order and judgment. The approved
settlement provides for dismissal of both the Snyder and Mishler cases, bars
class members from pursuing litigation against Nationwide Mutual Insurance
Company and its affiliates, including Nationwide and its subsidiaries, relating
to the allegations in the Snyder case, and provides class members with a
potential value of approximately $100 million in policy adjustments, discounted
premiums and discounted products.

In November 1997, two plaintiffs, one who was the owner of a variable life
insurance policy and the other who was the owner of a variable annuity contract,
commenced a lawsuit in a federal court in Texas against Nationwide and the
American Century group of defendants (Robert Young and David D. Distad v.
Nationwide Life Insurance Company et al.). In this lawsuit, plaintiffs seek to
represent a class of variable life insurance policy owners and variable annuity
contract owners whom they claim were allegedly misled when purchasing these
variable contracts into believing that the performance of their underlying
mutual fund option managed by American Century, whose shares may only be
purchased by insurance companies, would track the performance of a mutual fund,
also managed by American Century, whose shares are publicly traded. The amended
complaint seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. On April 27,
1998, the district court denied, in part, and granted, in part, Nationwide and
American Century's motions to dismiss the complaint.


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<PAGE>   40

The remaining claims against Nationwide allege securities fraud, common law
fraud, civil conspiracy and breach of contract. On December 2, 1998, the
district court issued an order denying plaintiffs' motion for class
certification. On December 10, 1998, the district court stayed the lawsuit
pending plaintiffs'petition to the federal appeals court for interlocutory
review of the order denying class certification. On December 14, 1998,
plaintiffs filed their petition for interlocutory review, on which the federal
appeals court has not yet ruled. Nationwide intends to defend the case
vigorously.

On October 29, 1998, Nationwide and certain of its subsidiaries were named in a
lawsuit filed in Ohio state court related to the sale of deferred annuity
products for use as investments in tax-deferred contributory retirement plans
(Mercedes Castillo v. Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., Nationwide Life
Insurance Company and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company). The
plaintiff in such lawsuit seeks to represent a national class of Nationwide's
customers and seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. Nationwide
currently is evaluating this lawsuit, which has not been certified as a class.
Nationwide intends to defend this lawsuit vigorously.

There can be no assurance that any litigation relating to pricing or sales
practices will not have a material adverse effect on Nationwide in the future.

ADVERTISING AND SUB-ACCOUNT PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

A "yield" and "effective yield" may be advertised for the NSAT-Money Market
Fund. "Yield" is a measure of the net dividend and interest income earned over a
specific seven-day period (which period will be stated in the advertisement)
expressed as a percentage of the offering price of the NSAT-Money Market Fund's
units. Yield is an annualized figure, which means that it is assumed that the
NSAT-Money Market Fund generates the same level of net income over a 52-week
period. The "effective yield" is calculated similarly but includes the effect of
assumed compounding, calculated under rules prescribed by the SEC. The effective
yield will be slightly higher than yield due to this compounding effect.

Nationwide may advertise the performance of a sub-account in relation to the
performance of other variable annuity sub-accounts, underlying mutual fund
options with similar or different objectives, or the investment industry as a
whole. Other investments to which the sub-accounts may be compared include, but
are not limited to:

   -  precious metals;
   -  real estate;
   -  stocks and bonds;
   -  closed-end funds;
   -  bank money market deposit accounts and passbook savings;
   -  CDs; and
   -  the Consumer Price Index.

Market Indexes

The sub-accounts will be compared to certain market indexes, such as:

   -  S&P 500;
   -  Shearson/Lehman Intermediate Government/Corporate Bond Index;
   -  Shearson/Lehman Long-Term Government/Corporate Bond Index;
   -  Donoghue Money Fund Average;
   -  U.S. Treasury Note Index;
   -  Bank Rate Monitor National Index of 2 1/2 Year CD Rates; and
   -  Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Tracking & Rating Services; Publications

Nationwide's rankings and ratings are sometimes published by other services,
such as:

   -  Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.,
   -  CDA/Wiesenberger;
   -  Morningstar;
   -  Donoghue's;
   -  magazines such as:
      -  Money;


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<PAGE>   41

      - Forbes;
      - Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine;
      - Financial World;
      - Consumer Reports;
      - Business Week;
      - Time;
      - Newsweek;
      - National Underwriter; and
      - News and World Report;
    - LIMRA;
    - Value;
    - Best's Agent Guide;
    - Western Annuity Guide;
    - Comparative Annuity Reports;
    - Wall Street Journal;
    - Barron's;
    - Investor's Daily;
    - Standard & Poor's Outlook; and
    - Variable Annuity Research & Data Service (The VARDS Report).

These rating services and publications rank the underlying mutual funds'
performance against other funds. These rankings may or may not include the
effects of sales charges or other fees.

Financial Rating Services

Nationwide is also ranked and rated by independent financial rating services,
among which are Moody's, Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best Company. Nationwide may
advertise these ratings. These ratings reflect Nationwide's financial strength
or claims-paying ability. The ratings are not intended to reflect the investment
experience or financial strength of the variable account.

Some Nationwide advertisements and endorsements may include lists of
organizations, individuals or other parties that recommend Nationwide or the
contract. Furthermore, Nationwide may occasionally advertise comparisons of
currently taxable and tax deferred investment programs, based on selected tax
brackets, or discussions of alternative investment vehicles and general economic
conditions.

Historical Performance of the Sub-Accounts

Nationwide will advertise historical performance of the sub-accounts. Nationwide
may advertise for the sub-account's standardized "average annual total return,"
calculated in a manner prescribed by the SEC, and nonstandardized "total
return." Average annual total return shows the percentage rate of return of a
hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 for the most recent one, five and ten
year periods (or for a period covering the time the underlying mutual fund has
been available in the variable account if it has not been available for one of
the prescribed periods). This calculation reflects the standard 7-year CDSC
schedule and the deduction of all charges that could be made to the contracts,
except for premium taxes, which may be imposed by certain states.

Nonstandardized "total return," calculated similar to standardized "average
annual total return," shows the percentage rate of return of a hypothetical
initial investment of $10,000 for the most recent one, five and ten year periods
(or for a period covering the time the underlying mutual fund has been in
existence). For those underlying mutual funds which have not been available for
one of the prescribed periods, the nonstandardized total return illustrations
will show the investment performance the underlying mutual funds would have
achieved (reduced by the same charges except the CDSC) had they been available
in the variable account for one of the periods. The CDSC is not reflected
because the contracts are designed for long term investment. The CDSC, if
reflected, would decrease the level of performance shown. An initial investment
of $10,000 is assumed because that amount is closer to the size of a typical
contract than $1,000, which was used in calculating the standardized average
annual total return.

The standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized total return
quotations are calculated using data for the period ended December 31, 1998.
However, Nationwide generally provides performance information


                                       38

                                    41 of 109

<PAGE>   42


more frequently. Information relating to performance of the sub-accounts is
based on historical earnings and does not represent or guarantee future results.


            TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                                                   PAGE
General Information and History.......................................1
Services..............................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered..................................1
Underwriters..........................................................2
Calculations of Performance...........................................2
Annuity Payments......................................................3
Financial Statements..................................................4


                                       39

                                    42 of 109

<PAGE>   43
APPENDIX A: OBJECTIVES FOR UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS

The underlying mutual funds listed below are designed primarily as investments
for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued by
insurance companies.

There is no guarantee that the investment objectives will be met.

NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST

Nationwide Separate Account Trust ("NSAT") is a diversified open-end management
investment company created under the laws of Massachusetts. NSAT offers shares
in the funds listed below, each with its own investment objectives. Shares of
NSAT will be sold primarily to life insurance company separate accounts to fund
the benefits under variable life insurance policies and variable annuity
contracts issued by life insurance companies. The assets of NSAT are managed by
Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Nationwide Life Insurance Company.

- -      NSAT-CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND
       Investment Objective: The Capital Appreciation Fund seeks long-term
       capital appreciation.

- -      NSAT-GOVERNMENT BOND FUND
       Investment Objective: As high a level of income as is consistent with the
       preservation of capital by investing in a diversified portfolio of
       securities issued or backed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
       instrumentalities.

- -      NSAT-MONEY MARKET FUND
       Investment Objective: The Fund seeks as high a level of current income as
       is consistent with the preservation of capital and maintenance of
       liquidity.

- -      NSAT-TOTAL RETURN FUND
       Investment Objective: The investment objective of the Fund is to obtain a
       reasonable, long-term total return on invested capital.

                                       40

                                   43 of 109
<PAGE>   44



                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                   MAY 1, 1999

                       DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
                   ISSUED BY NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
               THROUGH ITS NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It contains
information in addition to and in some respects more detailed than set forth in
the prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated May
1, 1999. The prospectus may be obtained from Nationwide Life Insurance Company
by writing P.O. Box 182356, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2356, or calling
1-800-243-6295, TDD 1-800-238-3035.

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                         PAGE
General Information and History............................................1
Services...................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered.......................................1
Underwriters...............................................................2
Calculations of Performance................................................2
Annuity Payments...........................................................3
Financial Statements.......................................................4

GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY

The Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account ("variable account") is a separate
investment account of Nationwide Life Insurance Company ("Nationwide").
Nationwide's common stock is owned by Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.
("NFS"), a holding company. NFS has two classes of common stock outstanding with
different voting rights enabling Nationwide Corporation (the holder of all of
the outstanding Class B Common Stock) to control NFS. Nationwide Corporation is
a holding company as well. All of its common stock is held by Nationwide Mutual
Insurance Company (95.24%) and Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company (4.76%),
the ultimate controlling persons of Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. The
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise is one of America's largest insurance and
financial services family of companies, with combined assets of over $98.28
billion as of December 31, 1998.

SERVICES

Nationwide, which has responsibility for administration of the contracts and the
variable account, maintains records of the name, address, taxpayer
identification number, and other pertinent information for each contract owner
and the number and type of contract issued to each contract owner and records
with respect to the contract value of each contract.

Nationwide is the custodian of the assets of the variable account. Nationwide
will maintain a record of all purchases and redemptions of shares of the
underlying mutual funds.

The audited financial statements have been included herein in reliance upon the
reports of KPMG LLP, independent certified public accountants, Two Nationwide
Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.

PURCHASE OF SECURITIES BEING OFFERED

The contracts will be sold by licensed insurance agents in the states where the
contracts may be lawfully sold. Agents are registered representatives of
broker-dealers registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 who are
members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD").

                                        1

                                   44 of 109

<PAGE>   45


The contract owner may transfer up to 100% of the contract value from the
variable account to the fixed account. However, Nationwide, at its sole
discretion, reserves the right to limit such transfers to 25% of the contract
value for any 12 month period. Contract owners may at the maturity of an
Interest Rate Guarantee Period transfer a portion of the contract value of the
fixed account to the variable account. Such portion will be determined by
Nationwide at its sole discretion (but will not be less than 10% of the total
value of the portion of the fixed account that is maturing), and will be
declared upon the expiration date of the then current Interest Rate Guarantee
Period. The Interest Rate Guarantee Period expires on the final day of a
calendar quarter after the 12 month period. Transfers under this provision must
be made within 45 days after the termination date of the guarantee period.
Contract owners who have entered into a dollar cost averaging agreement with
Nationwide may transfer from the fixed account under the terms of that
agreement.

Transfers from the fixed and variable accounts may not be made prior to the
first contract anniversary. Transfers from the fixed account may not be made
within 12 months of any prior transfer.

UNDERWRITERS

The contracts, which are offered continuously, are distributed by Nationwide
Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS"), Three Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide. During the fiscal years ended December
31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, no underwriting commissions were paid by Nationwide to
NAS.

CALCULATIONS OF PERFORMANCE

Any current yield quotations of the NSAT-Money Market Fund, subject to Rule 482
of the Securities Act of 1933, will consist of a seven calendar day historical
yield, carried at least to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The yield will be
calculated by determining the net change, exclusive of capital changes, in the
value of a hypothetical pre-existing account having a balance of one
accumulation unit at the beginning of the base period, subtracting a
hypothetical charge reflecting deductions from contract owner accounts, and
dividing the net change in account value by the value of the account at the
beginning of the period to obtain a base period return, and multiplying the base
period return by (365/7) or (366/7) in a leap year. At December 31, 1998, the
NSAT- Money Market Fund's seven-day current unit value yield was 3.52%. The
NSAT-Money Market Fund seven-day effective yield is computed similarly but
includes the effect of assumed compounding on an annualized basis of the current
unit value yield quotations of the Fund. At December 31, 1998, the NSAT-Money
Market Fund seven-day effective yield was 3.58%.

The NSAT-Money Market Fund yield and effective yield will fluctuate daily.
Actual yields will depend on factors such as the type of instruments in the
Fund's portfolio, portfolio quality and average maturity, changes in interest
rates, and the Fund's expenses. Although the NSAT-Money Market Fund determines
its yield on the basis of a seven calendar day period, it may use a different
time period on occasion. The yield quotes may reflect the expense limitation
described "Investment Manager and Other Services" in the NSAT-Money Market
Fund's Statement of Additional Information. There is no assurance that the
yields quoted on any given occasion will remain in effect for any period of time
and there is no guarantee that the net asset values will remain constant. It
should be noted that a contract owner's investment in the NSAT-Money Market Fund
is not guaranteed or insured. Yields of other money market funds may not be
comparable if a different base period or another method of calculation is used.

All performance advertising will include quotations of standardized average
annual total return, calculated in accordance with a standard method prescribed
by rules of the SEC. Standardized average annual return is found by taking a
hypothetical $1,000 investment in each of the sub-accounts' units on the first
day of the period at the offering price, which is the accumulation unit value
per unit ("initial investment") and computing the ending redeemable value
("redeemable value") of that investment at the end of the period. The redeemable
value is then divided by the initial investment and this quotient is taken to
the Nth root (N represents the number of years in the period) and 1 is
subtracted from the result which is then expressed as a percentage, carried to
at least the nearest hundredth of a percent. Standardized average annual total
return reflects the

                                        2

                                    45 of 109

<PAGE>   46


deduction of a maximum $30 Contract Maintenance Charge and a 1.30% Mortality and
Expense Risk Charge and an Administration Charge. The redeemable value also
reflects the effect of any applicable CDSC that may be imposed at the end of the
period (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" located in the prospectus). No
deduction is made for premium taxes which may be assessed by certain states.
Nonstandardized total return may also be advertised, and is calculated in a
manner similar to standardized average annual total return except the
nonstandardized total return is based on a hypothetical initial investment of
$10,000 and does not reflect the deduction of any applicable CDSC. Reflecting
the CDSC would decrease the level of the performance advertised. The CDSC is not
reflected because the contract is designed for long term investment. An assumed
initial investment of $10,000 will be used because that figure more closely
approximates the size of a typical contract than does the $1,000 figure used in
calculating the standardized average annual total return quotations. The amount
of the hypothetical initial investment used affects performance because the
contract maintenance charge is fixed per contract charge.

The standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized average annual
total return quotations will be current to the last day of the calendar quarter
preceding the date on which an advertisement is submitted for publication. The
standardized average annual return will be based on rolling calendar quarters
and will cover periods of one, five, and ten years, or a period covering the
time the underlying mutual fund has been available in the variable account if
the underlying mutual fund has not been available for one of the prescribed
periods. The nonstandardized annual total return will be based on rolling
calendar quarters and will cover periods of one, five and ten years, or a period
covering the time the underlying mutual fund has been in existence.

Quotations of average annual total return and total return are based upon
historical earnings and will fluctuate. Any quotation of performance is not a
guarantee of future performance. Factors affecting a sub-account's performance
include general market conditions, operating expenses and investment management.
A contract owner's account when redeemed may be more or less than the original
cost.

ANNUITY PAYMENTS

See "Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments" located in the prospectus.

                                        3

                                    46 of 109


<PAGE>   47

<PAGE>   1
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT


The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and
  Contract Owners of Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account:

     We have audited the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities and
contract owners' equity of Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account as of December
31, 1998, and the related statements of operations and changes in contract
owners' equity for each of the years in the two year period then ended. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 1998, by correspondence with
the transfer agents of the underlying mutual funds. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Nationwide Multi-Flex
Variable Account as of December 31, 1998, and the results of its operations and
its changes in contract owners' equity for each of the years in the two year
period then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.


                                                       KPMG LLP


Columbus, Ohio
February 5, 1999










- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
                     NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

          STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<S>                                                              <C>
ASSETS:

  Investments at market value:

    AIM VI -- Capital Appreciation Fund (AIMCapAp)
      35,801 shares (cost $824,260) ............................ $    902,180

    AIM VI -- International Equity Fund (AIMIntEq)
      7,078 shares (cost $141,544) .............................      138,867

    American Century VP -- American Century
     VP Advantage (ACVPAdv)
      1,521,309 shares (cost $8,871,864) .......................   10,557,883

    American Century VP -- American Century
     VP Capital Appreciation (ACVPCapAp)
      2,706,430 shares (cost $26,986,527) ......................   24,412,001

    American Century VP -- American Century
     VP Income & Growth (ACVPIncGr)
      655,206 shares (cost $3,929,447) .........................    4,442,295

    The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc.
     (DrySRGro)
      1,231,609 shares (cost $29,684,353) ......................   38,278,394

    Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)
      2,846,471 shares (cost $64,611,510) ......................   92,567,233

    Dreyfus VIF -- Capital Appreciation Portfolio (DryCapAp)
      161,441 shares (cost $5,323,592) .........................    5,829,639

    Dreyfus VIF -- Quality Bond Portfolio (DryQualBd)
      590,148 shares (cost $6,872,826) .........................    6,786,701

    Dreyfus VIF -- Small Cap Portfolio (DrySmCap)
      1,358,914 shares (cost $71,085,983) ......................   73,259,081

    Fidelity VIP -- Equity-Income Portfolio (FidVIPEI)
      5,816,138 shares (cost $112,082,448) .....................  147,846,236

    Fidelity VIP -- High Income Portfolio (FidVIPHI)
      2,186,201 shares (cost $26,831,321) .....................   25,206,895

    Janus AS -- Janus Aspen International Growth
     Portfolio (JanASIntGr)
      176,546 shares (cost $3,757,661) .........................    3,755,142

    Nationwide SAT -- Capital Appreciation Fund (NSATCapAp)
      2,347,644 shares (cost $36,660,018) ......................   62,423,858

    Nationwide SAT -- Government Bond Fund (NSATGvtBd)
      9,184,632 shares (cost $102,920,860) .....................  107,368,353

    Nationwide SAT -- High Income Bond Fund (NSATHIncBd)
      28,946 shares (cost $286,837) ............................      290,622
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<S>                                                             <C>
    Nationwide SAT -- Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt)
      38,784,037 shares (cost $38,784,037) .....................    38,784,037

    Nationwide SAT -- Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)
      27,821,663 shares (cost $318,169,401) ....................   511,918,605

    Neuberger & Berman AMT -- Balanced Portfolio (NBAMTBal)
      2,762,700 shares (cost $42,351,459) ......................    45,142,521

    Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc. (StOpp2)
      1,075,487 shares (cost $21,481,784) ......................    23,359,584

    Templeton VPS -- Templeton International Fund --
     Class I (TemIntFd)
      1,717,540 shares (cost $31,351,488) ......................    35,535,906
                                                                --------------
         Total investments ..................................... 1,258,806,033

  Accounts receivable ..........................................         6,371
                                                                --------------
         Total assets .......................................... 1,258,812,404

Accounts payable ...............................................        94,948
                                                                --------------
Contract owners' equity (note 4) ...............................$1,258,717,456
                                                                ==============
</TABLE>




See accompanying notes to financial statements.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   4
                     NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                      STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
                           IN CONTRACT OWNER'S EQUITY

                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         TOTAL                   AIMCAPAP       AIMINTEQ          ACVPADV
                                               -----------------------       --------------   ------------     ----------------
                                                1998            1997       1998      1997    1998     1997     1998        1997
                                                ----            ----       ----      ----    ----     ----     ----        ----
<S>                                       <C>             <C>              <C>      <C>     <C>       <C>   <C>         <C>
Investment activity:
  Reinvested dividends................... $   20,842,641      22,670,838    1,303       5    1,210       1     216,901     158,735
  Mortality, expense and administration
    charges (note 2).....................    (16,314,807)    (14,230,283)  (6,208)    (12)    (891)     (2)   (124,133)   (128,515)
                                          --------------   -------------  -------  ------  ---------   ---  ----------   ----------
    Net investment activity..............      4,527,834       8,440,555   (4,905)     (7)     319      (1)     92,768      30,220
                                          --------------   -------------  -------  ------  ---------   ---  ----------   ----------
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold..    270,437,065      93,597,620   43,627      --   25,294      --   1,825,984   1,974,464
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold........   (162,114,095)    (74,653,108) (39,795)     --  (24,275)     --  (1,514,576) (1,635,650)
                                          --------------   -------------  -------  ------  ---------   ---  ----------   ----------
    Realized gain (loss) on investments..    108,322,970      18,944,512    3,832      --    1,019      --     311,408     338,814
  Change in unrealized gain (loss)
    on investments.......................     (2,435,061)    143,730,354   77,316     603   (2,795)    118     252,847     195,541
                                          --------------   -------------  -------  ------  ---------   ---  ----------   ----------
    Net gain (loss) on investments.......    105,887,909     162,674,866   81,148     603   (1,776)    118     564,255     534,355
                                          --------------   -------------  -------  ------  ---------   ---  ----------   ----------
  Reinvested capital gains...............     45,381,013      36,308,617   23,090      66       --       4     816,147     548,350
                                          --------------   -------------  -------  ------  ---------   ---  ----------   ----------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract
      owners' equity resulting from
      operations.........................    155,796,756     207,424,038   99,333     662   (1,457)    121   1,473,170    1,112,925
                                          --------------   -------------  -------  ------  ---------   ---  ----------   ----------
Equity transactions:
  Purchase payments received from
    contract owners......................    171,010,136     173,043,544  454,482   6,451   46,314   5,619     572,977      764,476
  Transfers between funds................             --              --  374,739  18,462   93,540     120    (351,854)  (1,266,044)
  Redemptions............................   (285,564,514)    (97,519,435) (51,115)     --   (5,180)     --  (1,112,420)    (944,093)
  Annuity benefits.......................       (113,703)        (99,001)      --      --       --      --         (23)          (7)
  Annual contract maintenance charge
    (note 2).............................     (1,959,464)     (1,743,035)    (633)     (2)    (171)     --     (15,231)     (16,700)
  Contingent deferred sales charges
    (note 2).............................       (944,022)       (824,723)    (200)     --      (39)     --     (13,255)     (14,965)
  Adjustments to maintain reserves.......          5,561          22,836        3      (3)      (4)     (1)         77           12
                                          --------------   -------------  -------  ------  ---------   ---  ----------   -----------
    Net equity transactions..............   (117,566,006)     72,880,186  777,276  24,908  134,460   5,738    (919,729)  (1,477,321)
                                          --------------   -------------  -------  ------  ---------   ---  ----------   ----------
Net change in contract owners' equity....     38,230,750     280,304,224  876,609  25,570  133,003   5,859     553,441     (364,366)
Contract owners' equity beginning
  of period..............................  1,220,486,706     940,182,482   25,570      --    5,859      --  10,004,517   10,368,913
                                          --------------   -------------  -------  ------  ---------   ---  ----------   ----------
Contract owners' equity end of period.... $1,258,717,456   1,220,486,706  902,179  25,570  138,862   5,859  10,557,958   10,004,517
                                          ==============   =============  =======  ======  =========   ===  ==========   ==========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   5
                     NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                      STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
                           IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                        ACVPCapAp             ACVPIncGr                DrySRGro                   Drystklx
                                     ----------------      -----------------     -----------------           --------------------
                                     1998        1997      1998        1997      1998         1997           1998         1997
<S>                                <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>

Investment activity:
  Reinvested dividends.............$       --           --     22,466      --         59,690        75,046      990,158     633,022
  Mortality, expense
  and administration
    charges (note 2)...............   (347,914)   (488,542)   (28,528)    (77)      (377,408)     (179,325)    (955,725)   (504,354)
                                   -----------  ---------- ---------- -------    -----------   -----------  -----------  ----------
    Net investment activity........   (347,914)   (488,542)    (6,062)    (77)      (317,718)     (104,279)      34,433     128,668
                                   -----------  ---------- ---------- -------    -----------   -----------  -----------  ----------
  Proceeds form mutual
   fund shares sold................  7,431,160  11,459,625    247,808     557        863,412       421,736    1,666,853     707,521
  Cost of mutual fund
   shares sold..................... (7,063,514) (9,640,042)  (230,017)   (538)      (500,142)     (251,714)    (804,459)   (457,827)
                                   -----------  ---------- ---------- -------    -----------   -----------  -----------  ----------
    Realized gain (loss)
     on investments................    367,646   1,819,583     17,791      19        363,270       170,022      862,394     249,694
  Change in unrealized
    gain (loss) on investments..... (2,548,105) (3,909,793)   511,807   1,041      5,900,793     2,221,298   16,211,739   7,644,619
                                   -----------  ---------- ---------- -------    -----------   -----------  -----------  ----------
    Net gain (loss) on
     investments..................  (2,180,459) (2,090,210)   529,598   1,060      6,264,063     2,391,320   17,074,133   7,894,313
                                   -----------  ---------- ---------- -------    -----------   -----------  -----------  ----------
  Reinvested capital gains........   1,515,406     818,434      2,123      --      1,386,849       585,969      182,250   1,507,200
                                   -----------  ---------- ---------- -------    -----------   -----------  -----------  ----------
    Net increase (decrease) in
     contract owners'
      equity resulting
        from operations...........  (1,012,967) (1,760,318)   525,659     983      7,333,194     2,873,010   17,290,816   9,530,181
                                   -----------  ---------- ---------- -------    -----------   -----------  -----------  ----------

Equity transactions:
 Purchase payments received from
  contract owners.................   2,220,641   3,208,021  1,844,875  22,410     10,576,613     8,956,132   19,460,169  15,881,608

 Transfers between funds..........  (5,465,509) (9,312,700) 2,112,196 193,474      1,465,431     2,728,693    7,196,900   9,231,643
 Redemptions......................  (3,562,186) (4,504,076)  (254,487)     --     (1,776,381)     (588,429)  (5,731,400) (1,971,994)

 Annuity benefits.................        (190)         (7)        --      --             --            --       (2,559)         --

 Annual contract maintenance
  charge (note 2).................     (50,076)     (72,900)   (2,425)    (17)       (83,289)      (41,768)    (145,678)    (80,253)

 Contingent deferred sales
  charges (note 2)................     (49,503)    (78,351)      (342)     --        (18,094)       (8,178)     (62,149)    (22,485)

 Adjustment to maintain reserves..         513        (174)       259       9            428           (21)       2,514       1,530
                                   -----------  ---------- ---------- -------    -----------   -----------  -----------  ----------
     Net equity transactions.....   (6,906,310)(10,760,187) 3,700,076 215,876     10,164,708    11,046,429   20,717,797  23,040,049
                                   -----------  ---------- ---------- -------    -----------   -----------  -----------  ----------

Net change in contract
  owners' equity..................  (7,919,277)(12,520,505) 4,225,735 216,859     17,497,902    13,919,439   38,008,613  32,570,230
Contract owners' equity
  beginning of period ............  32,331,863  44,852,368    216,859      --     20,780,931     6,861,492   54,561,165  21,990,935
                                   -----------  ---------- ---------- -------    -----------   -----------  -----------  ----------
Contract owners' equity
  end of period................... $24,412,586  32,331,863  4,442,594 216,859     38,278,833    20,780,931   92,569,778  54,561,165
                                   ===========  ========== ========== =======    ===========   ===========  ===========  ==========
</TABLE>

                                                                     (Continued)
<PAGE>   6
                     NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                      STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
                           IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               DryCapAp          DryQualBd               DrySmCap                 FidVIPEI
                                         ------------------  --------------------  ----------------------  ------------------------
                                            1998      1997     1998       1997        1998       1997         1998         1997
                                         ----------  ------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                      <C>         <C>     <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
Investment activity:
  Reinvested dividends ................  $   29,273     205    336,884    214,911         252      66,440    1,767,643    1,376,653
  Mortality, expense and
     administration charges (note 2) ..     (28,062)    (16)   (76,197)   (43,572)   (883,862)   (618,547)  (1,811,344)  (1,336,938)
                                         ----------  ------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
    Net investment activity ...........       1,211     189    260,687    171,339    (883,610)   (552,107)     (43,701)      39,715
                                         ----------  ------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares
    sold ..............................     232,731      --    794,218    376,870   2,151,154     577,816    6,079,485    1,484,034
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold .....    (209,881)     --   (762,578)  (380,850) (1,434,829)   (353,809)  (3,887,729)    (998,925)
                                         ----------  ------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
    Realized gain (loss) on
      investments .....................      22,850      --     31,640     (3,980)    716,325     224,007    2,191,756      485,109
  Change in unrealized gain (loss)
    on investments ....................     506,293    (245)  (184,062)    83,709  (4,434,714)  3,539,427    4,573,114   15,867,413
                                         ----------  ------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ....     529,143    (245)  (152,422)    79,729  (3,718,389)  3,763,434    6,764,870   16,352,522
                                         ----------  ------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
  Reinvested capital gains ............         186      17    103,635     29,382   1,336,663   3,506,010    6,290,729    6,921,505
                                         ----------  ------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
      Net increase (decrease) in
        contract owners' equity
        resulting from operations .....     530,540     (39)   211,900    280,450  (3,265,336)  6,717,337   13,011,898   23,313,742
                                         ----------  ------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------

Equity transactions:
  Purchase payments received from
    contract owners ...................   2,080,221  11,423  2,019,788  2,268,714  23,152,760  24,803,583   23,845,625   25,054,542
  Transfers between funds .............   3,450,453  21,796    517,074    (54,361) (3,926,582)  2,005,819      279,782    4,912,332
  Redemptions .........................    (261,044)     --   (643,999)   (90,499) (5,065,492) (3,029,006) (13,156,692)  (7,187,817)
  Annuity benefits ....................          --      --         --         --          --          --       (1,823)        (998)
  Annual contract maintenance
    charge (note 2) ...................      (2,389)     (4)   (14,669)   (10,521)   (220,760)   (190,393)    (238,894)    (217,473)
  Contingent deferred sales
    charges (note 2) ..................      (1,172)     --     (7,839)    (1,276)    (64,756)    (31,745)    (141,165)     (84,502)
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ....        (137)      5        113         96        (511)        (50)         409        1,072
                                         ----------  ------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
      Net equity transactions .........   5,265,932  33,220  1,870,468  2,112,153  13,874,659  23,558,208   10,587,242   22,477,156
                                         ----------  ------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
Net change in contract owners' equity .   5,796,472  33,181  2,082,368  2,392,603  10,609,323  30,275,545   23,599,140   45,790,898
Contract owners' equity beginning
  of period ...........................      33,181      --  4,704,446  2,311,843  62,649,484  32,373,939  124,247,535   78,456,637
                                         ----------  ------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
Contract owners' equity end of period .  $5,829,653  33,181  6,786,814  4,704,446  73,258,807  62,649,484  147,846,675  124,247,535
                                         ==========  ======  =========  =========  ==========  ==========  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   7
                     NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                      STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES

                           IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                     Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                FidVIPHI           JanASIntGr           NSATCapAp                NSATGvtBd
                                       -----------------------  ----------------- -----------------------  ------------------------
                                           1998        1997       1998      1997     1998        1997        1998         1997
                                       -----------  ----------  ---------  ------ -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                    <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>    <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
                                       -----------  ----------  ---------  ------ -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
Investment activity:
  Reinvested dividends...............  $ 1,423,227     662,094     22,540      33     520,711     621,889    5,973,305    7,524,704
  Mortality, expense and
    administration charges (note 2)..     (303,847)   (177,447)   (22,121)    (22)   (871,653)   (771,115)  (1,492,699)  (1,616,047)
                                       -----------  ----------  ---------  ------ -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
    Net investment activity..........    1,119,380     484,647        419      11    (350,942)   (149,226)   4,480,606    5,908,657
                                       -----------  ----------  ---------  ------ -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares
    sold.............................      487,817     328,986    260,312      --  27,191,128   4,734,284   30,298,498   19,995,640
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold....     (433,912)   (284,239)  (262,817)     -- (12,328,964) (2,574,052) (29,393,218) (20,441,064)
                                       -----------  ----------  ---------  ------ -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
    Realized gain (loss) on
      investments....................       53,905      44,747     (2,505)     --  14,862,164   2,160,232      905,280     (445,424)
  Change in unrealized gain (loss) on
    investments......................   (3,585,376)  1,402,718     (2,299)   (219)    (11,772) 12,931,948    2,221,884    4,216,681
                                       -----------  ----------  ---------  ------ -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
    Net gain (loss) on investments...   (3,531,471)  1,447,465     (4,804)   (219) 14,850,392  15,092,180    3,127,164    3,773,257
                                       -----------  ----------  ---------  ------ -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
  Reinvested capital gains...........      904,342      81,832      3,054      --   1,743,763   1,431,110      515,384           --
                                       -----------  ----------  ---------  ------ -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
    Net increase (decrease) in
      contract owners' equity
      resulting from operations......   (1,507,749)  2,013,944     (1,331)   (208) 16,243,213  16,374,064    8,123,154    9,681,914
                                       -----------  ----------  ---------  ------ -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------

Equity transactions:
  Purchase payments received from
    contract owners..................    8,511,396   7,922,442  1,682,674   4,995   4,344,587   3,933,159    6,311,434    6,432,559
  Transfers between funds............      506,824   1,346,162  2,201,050  26,016   1,551,729   3,829,604    2,143,077   (8,165,800)
  Redemptions........................   (1,543,731)   (594,910)  (155,078)     -- (27,248,088) (4,705,611) (31,796,007) (14,959,843)
  Annuity benefits...................           --          --         --      --      (5,545)     (4,444)     (18,715)     (18,506)
  Annual contract maintenance charge
    (note 2).........................      (62,035)    (42,994)    (2,187)     --     (69,163)    (61,538)    (143,045)    (159,430)
  Contingent deferred sales charges
    (note 2).........................      (17,150)     (7,262)      (787)     --     (37,866)    (36,519)     (91,476)    (128,121)
  Adjustments to maintain reserves...          (47)         44         12      (1)        829       1,147       (2,276)       2,917
                                       -----------  ----------  ---------  ------ -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
    Net equity transactions..........    7,395,257   8,623,482  3,725,684  31,010 (21,463,517)  2,955,798  (23,597,008) (16,996,224)
                                       -----------  ----------  ---------  ------ -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
Net change in contract owners'
  equity.............................    5,887,508  10,637,426  3,724,353  30,802  (5,220,304) 19,329,862  (15,473,854)  (7,314,310)
Contract owners' equity beginning of
  period.............................   19,319,305   8,681,879     30,802      --  67,645,086  48,315,224  122,839,668  130,153,978
                                       -----------  ----------  ---------  ------ -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
Contract owners' equity end of
  period.............................  $25,206,813  19,319,305  3,755,155  30,802  62,424,782  67,645,086  107,365,814  122,839,668
                                       ===========  ==========  =========  ====== ===========  ==========  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>

                                                                     (Continued)
<PAGE>   8
                     NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                      STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
                           IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                      NSATHIncBd           NSATMyMkt                  NSATTotRe                  NBAMTBal
                                   ----------------       -----------------       -----------------        --------------------
                                   1998        1997       1998        1997        1998         1997         1998          1997
<S>                                <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>             <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>

Investment activity:
  Reinvested dividends............ $  12,442     30    2,073,211    2,286,364      5,590,811     7,841,110   1,016,529     704,341
  Mortality, expense and
  administration charges
  (note 2)........................    (2,277)     (4)    (527,889)    (583,593)    (7,193,698)   (6,817,098)   (569,585)   (534,476)
                                    ---------  -----  -----------  -----------    -----------   -----------  ----------   ---------

    Net investment activity.......    10,165      26    1,545,322    1,702,771     (1,602,887)    1,024,012     446,944     169,865
                                    ---------  -----  -----------  -----------    -----------   -----------   ---------- ----------
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares
   sold...........................   232,973      --   27,802,187   22,275,683    155,161,671    24,399,427   4,701,654   4,206,979
  Cost of mutual fund shares
   sold...........................  (238,033)     --  (27,802,187) (22,275,683)   (68,662,100)  (11,146,678) (4,516,095) (3,740,040)
                                    ---------  -----  -----------  -----------    -----------   -----------  ---------- -----------
  Realized gain (loss)
    on investments................    (5,060)     --           --           --     86,499,571    13,252,549     185,559     466,939
  Change in unrealized
    gain (loss) on investments....     3,767      18           --           --    (18,444,180)   92,265,314  (3,399,106)  4,192,554
                                    ---------  -----  -----------  -----------    -----------   -----------  ----------  ----------
    Net gain (loss) on
     investments..................    (1,293)     18           --           --      68,055,391  105,517,863  (3,213,547)  4,659,493
                                    ---------  -----  -----------  -----------    -----------   -----------  ----------  ----------
  Reinvested capital gains........         --     --           --           --      19,993,831   18,191,970   7,139,906   1,807,809
                                    --------   -----  -----------  -----------     -----------   -----------  ----------  ---------
    Net increase (decrease) in
     contract owners' equity
     resulting from operations....      8,872      44   1,545,322     1,702,771     86,446,335   124,733,845   4,373,303   6,637,167
                                    ---------  -----  -----------  -----------     ----------   -----------   ---------- ----------

Equity transactions:
 Purchase payments received from
  contract owners.................   231,833      70   9,331,757    16,515,995     32,910,520    35,235,957   4,215,700   3,791,197
 Transfers between funds..........    61,586   2,734    (720,419)  (13,814,402)    (7,086,137)    7,251,400  (1,509,657) (2,569,977)
 Redemptions......................   (14,158)    --  (13,718,112)   (8,106,654)  (170,647,039)  (45,327,124) (4,853,908) (3,117,346)
 Annuity benefits.................        --     --       (4,505)       (4,656)       (80,283)      (70,375)        (60)         (8)
 Annual contract maintenance
  charge (note 2).................      (230)    --      (53,369)      (59,936)      (657,048)     (623,664)    (65,141)    (67,133)
 Contingent deferred sales
  charges (note 2)................      (128)    --      (61,733)      (47,539)      (272,491)     (290,852)    (61,893)    (53,200)
 Adjustment to maintain reserves..        (8)    --        3,489          (112)            37        17,772          72         402
                                    ---------  ----- -----------   -----------    -----------   -----------  ---------- -----------
     Net equity transactions......    278,895   2,804 (5,222,892)   (5,517,304)  (145,832,441)   (3,806,886) (2,274,887) (2,016,065)
                                    ---------  -----  ----------   -----------    -----------   -----------  ---------- -----------

Net change in contract owners'
   equity.........................    287,767   2,848 (3,677,570)   (3,814,533)   (59,386,106)  120,926,959   2,098,416   4,621,102
Contract owners' equity
  beginning of period.............      2,848     --  42,366,073    46,180,606    571,309,010   450,382,051  43,044,453  38,423,351
                                    ---------  ----- -----------   -----------    -----------   -----------  ---------- -----------
Contract owners' equity end of
  period.......................... $  290,615   2,848  38,688,503    42,366,073    511,922,904   571,309,010  45,142,869  43,044,453
                                   ==========  =====  ==========   ===========    ===========   ===========  ==========  ==========
 </TABLE>
<PAGE>   9
                     NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                      STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
                           IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                     Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       StOpp2                        TemIntFd
                                                  -------------------           ------------------
                                                  1998           1997           1998          1997
                                                  ----           ----           ----          ----
<S>                                          <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>
Investment activity:
  Reinvested dividends.....................  $    52,459        38,347        731,626       466,908
  Mortality, expense and administration
     charges (note 2)......................     (248,876)     (128,404)      (441,890)     (302,177)
                                             -----------    ----------     ----------    ----------
     Net investment activity...............     (196,417)      (90,057)       289,736       164,731
                                             -----------    ----------     ----------    ----------

  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold....      569,604        82,371      2,369,495       571,627
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold..........     (457,623)      (69,365)    (1,547,351)     (402,432)
                                             -----------    ----------     ----------    ----------
     Realized gain (loss) on investments...      111,981        13,006        822,144       169,195
  Change in unrealized gain (loss) on
    investments............................       46,665     1,422,166       (128,877)    1,653,443
                                             -----------    ----------     ----------    ----------
     Net gain (loss) on investments........      158,646     1,435,172        693,267     1,822,638
                                             -----------    ----------     ----------    ----------
  Reinvested capital gains.................    2,115,597       691,280      1,308,058       187,679
                                             -----------    ----------     ----------    ----------
       Net increase (decrease) in contract
          owners' equity resulting from
          operations.......................    2,077,826     2,036,395      2,291,061     2,175,048
                                             -----------    ----------     ----------    ----------

Equity transactions:
  Purchase payments received from
    contract owners.......................     7,498,780     6,100,729      9,696,990    12,123,462
  Transfers between funds.................       495,807     1,528,491     (3,390,030)    2,086,538
  Redemptions.............................    (1,150,570)     (534,715)    (2,817,427)   (1,857,318)
  Annuity benefits........................             -             -              -             -
  Annual contract maintenance charge
    (note 2)..............................       (51,449)      (34,063)       (81,582)      (64,246)
  Contingent deferred sales charges
    (note 2)..............................       (10,724)       (7,263)       (31,260)      (12,465)
  Adjustments to maintain reserves........            83          (368)          (294)       (1,440)
                                             -----------    ----------     ----------    ----------
     Net equity transactions..............     6,781,927     7,052,811      3,376,397    12,274,531
                                             -----------    ----------     ----------    ----------

Net change in contract owners' equity.....     8,859,753     9,089,206      5,667,458    14,449,579
Contract owners' equity beginning of
  period..................................    14,499,894     5,410,688     29,868,157    15,418,578
                                             -----------    ----------     ----------    ----------
Contract owners' equity end of period.....   $23,359,647    14,499,894     35,535,615    29,868,157
                                             ===========    ==========     ==========    ==========

</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>   10
                     NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                           December 31, 1998 and 1997

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

    (a) Organization and Nature of Operations

        The Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account (the Account) was established
        pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors of Nationwide Life
        Insurance Company (the Company) on October 7, 1981. The Account has been
        registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act
        of 1940. On August 21, 1991, the Company (the Depositor) transferred to
        the Account 50,000 shares of the American Century VP -- American Century
        VP Advantage fund for which the Account was credited with 25,000
        accumulation units. The value of the accumulation units purchased by the
        Company on August 21, 1991 was $250,000.

        The Company offers tax qualified and non-tax qualified Individual
        Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts through the Account. The primary
        distributions for the contracts is through Company Agents and an
        affiliated sales organization; however, other distributors may be
        utilized.

    (b) The Contracts

        Only contracts without a front-end sales charge, but with a contingent
        deferred sales charge and certain other fees, are offered for purchase.
        See note 2 for a discussion of contract expenses. With certain
        exceptions, contract owners in either the accumulation or payout phase
        may invest in any of the following:

        Funds of the AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. (AIM VI);
         AIM VI -- Capital Appreciation Fund (AIMCapAp)*
         AIM VI -- International Equity Fund (AIMIntEq)*

        Portfolios of the American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.
          (American Century VP);
         American Century VP -- American Century VP Advantage (ACVPAdv)*
         American Century VP -- American Century VP Capital Appreciation
          (ACVPCapAP)*
         American Century VP -- American Century VP Income & Growth (ACVPIncGr)*

        The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. (DrySRGro)*
         Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)*

        Portfolios of the Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund (Dreyfus VIF);
         Dreyfus VIF -- Capital Appreciation Portfolio (DryCapAp)*
         Dreyfus VIF -- Quality Bond Portfolio (DryQualBd)*
         Dreyfus VIF -- Small Cap Portfolio (DrySmCap)*

        Portfolios of the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund
          (Fidelity VIP);
         Fidelity VIP -- Equity-Income Portfolio (FidVIPEI)*
         Fidelity VIP -- High Income Portfolio (FidVIPHI)*

        Portfolio of the Janus Aspen Series (Janus AS);
         Janus AS -- Janus Aspen International Growth Portfolio (JanASIntGr)*

        Funds of the Nationwide Separate Account Trust (Nationwide SAT)
          (managed for a fee by an affiliated investment advisor);
         Nationwide SAT -- Capital Appreciation Fund (NSATCapAp)
          (not available to contracts established under NEA Valuebuilder)
         Nationwide SAT -- Government Bond Fund (NSATGvtBd)
         Nationwide SAT -- High Income Bond Fund (NSATHIncBd)*
         Nationwide SAT -- Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt)
         Nationwide SAT -- Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)
<PAGE>   11

        Portfolio of the Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust
          (Neuberger & Berman AMT);
         Neuberger & Berman AMT -- Balanced Portfolio (NBAMTBal)*

        Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc. (StOpp2)*

        Portfolio of the Templeton Variable Products Series Fund
          (Templeton VPS);
         Templeton VPS -- Templeton International Fund -- Class I (TemIntFd)*

        At December 31, 1998, contract owners have invested in all of the above
        funds. The contract owners' equity is affected by the investment results
        of each fund, equity transactions by contract owners and certain
        contract expenses (see note 2). The accompanying financial statements
        include only contract owners' purchase payments pertaining to the
        variable portions of their contracts and exclude any purchase payments
        for fixed dollar benefits, the latter being included in the accounts of
        the Company.

        A contract owner may choose from among a number of different underlying
        mutual fund options. The underlying mutual fund options are not
        available to the general public directly. The underlying mutual funds
        are available as investment options in variable life insurance policies
        or variable annuity contracts issued by life insurance companies or, in
        some cases, through participation in certain qualified pension or
        retirement plans.

        Some of the underlying mutual funds have been established by investment
        advisers which manage publicly traded mutual funds having similar names
        and investment objectives. While some of the underlying mutual funds may
        be similar to, and may in fact be modeled after, publicly traded mutual
        funds, the underlying mutual funds are not otherwise directly related to
        any publicly traded mutual fund. Consequently, the investment
        performance of publicly traded mutual funds and any corresponding
        underlying mutual funds may differ substantially.

    (c) Security Valuation, Transactions and Related Investment Income

        The market value of the underlying mutual funds is based on the closing
        net asset value per share at December 31, 1998. The cost of investments
        sold is determined on a specific identification basis. Investment
        transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy
        or sell is executed) and dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend
        date.

    (d) Federal Income Taxes

        Operations of the Account form a part of, and are taxed with, operations
        of the Company which is taxed as a life insurance company under the
        Internal Revenue Code.

        The Company does not provide for income taxes within the Account. Taxes
        are the responsibility of the contract owner upon termination or
        withdrawal.

    (e) Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
        accepted accounting principles may require management to make estimates
        and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
        liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, if any,
        at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
        revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could
        differ from those estimates.

(2) Expenses

    The Company does not deduct a sales charge from purchase payments received
    from the contract owners. However, if any part of the contract value of such
    contracts is surrendered, the Company will, with certain exceptions, deduct
    from a contract owner's contract value a contingent deferred sales charge.
    For contracts issued prior to February 1, 1989, the contingent deferred
    sales charge will be equal to 5% of the lesser of the total of all purchase
    payments made within 96 months prior to the date of the request for
    surrender or the amount surrendered. For contracts issued on or after
    February 1, 1989, the Company will deduct a contingent deferred sales charge
    not to exceed 7% of the lesser of purchase payments or the amount
    surrendered, such charge declining 1% per year, to 0%, after the purchase
    payment has been held in the contract for 84 months. No sales charges are
    deducted on redemptions used to purchase units in the fixed investment
    options of the Company.
<PAGE>   12
    The following contract charges are deducted by the Company: (a) an annual
    contract maintenance charge of up to $30, dependent upon contract type and
    issue date, which is satisfied by surrendering units; and (b) for contracts
    issued prior to February 1, 1989, a charge for mortality and expense risk
    assessed through the daily unit value calculation equal to an annual rate of
    0.80% and 0.50%, respectively; for contracts issued on or after February 1,
    1989, a mortality risk charge, an expense risk charge and an administration
    charge assessed through the daily unit value calculation equal to an annual
    rate of 0.80%, 0.45% and 0.05%, respectively; for NEA Valuebuilder Annuity
    contracts issued before November 3, 1997, or in states which have not
    approved the applicable contract modifications, a mortality and expense risk
    charge and an administrative charge assessed through the daily unit value
    calculation equal to an annual rate of 1.25% and .05%, respectively; for NEA
    Valuebuilder Annuity contracts issued on or after the later of November 3,
    1997, or the date on which state insurance authorities approve corresponding
    contract modifications, an actuarial risk charge assessed through the daily
    unit value calculation equal to an annual rate of 1.30%. No charges were
    deducted from the initial funding, or from earnings thereon.

(3) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

    The Company performs various services on behalf of the Mutual Fund Companies
    in which the Account invests and may receive fees for the services
    performed. These services include, among other things, shareholder
    communications, preparation, postage, fund transfer agency and various other
    record keeping and customer service functions. These fees are paid to an
    affiliate of the Company.









*This fund is only available for contracts issued to Plans established under the
                           NEA Valuebuilder Annuity.
<PAGE>   13
(4) Components of Contract owners' equity

    The following is a summary of contract owners' equity at December 31, 1998,
    for each series, in both the accumulation and payout phases.

Contract owners' equity represented by:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Contracts in accumulation phase:                Units               Unit Value               Annual Return*
                                                -----               ----------          -------------------------
<S>                                             <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
AIM VI -- Capital Appreciation Fund:
  Tax qualified..........................           75,146           $11.184821          $  840,495            18%
  Non-tax qualified......................            5,515            11.184821              61,684            18%

AIM VI -- International Equity Fund:
  Tax qualified.........................           11,832            11.300603             133,709            14%
  Non-tax qualified.....................              456            11.300603               5,153            14%

American Century VP -- American Century
VP Advantage:
  Tax qualified.........................          398,890             18.104123           7,221,554            16%
  Non-tax qualified.....................          156,743             18.104123           2,837,695            16%
  Initial Funding By Depositor..........           25,000             19.938436             498,461            17%

American Century VP -- American Century
VP Capital Appreciation:
  Tax qualified.........................         1,194,132            14.321327           17,101,555           (3)%
  Non-tax qualified.....................           509,808            14.321327            7,301,127           (3)%

American Century VP -- American Century
VP Income & Growth:
  Tax qualified.........................           319,965            13.027526            4,168,352           25%
  Non-tax qualified.....................            21,051            13.027526              274,242           25%

The Dsryfus Socially Responsible
Growth Fund, Inc.:
  Tax qualified.........................         1,409,837            25.825425           36,409,640           28%
  Non-tax qualified.....................            72,378            25.825425            1,869,193           28%

Dreyfus Stock Index Fund:
  Tax qualified.........................         2,822,344            27.730490           78,264,982           27%
  Non-tax qualified.....................           515,394            27.730490           14,292,128           27%

Dreyfus VIF -- Capital Appreciation
Portfolio:
  Tax qualified.........................           410,871            13.166473            5,409,722           29%
  Non-tax qualified.....................            31,894            13.166473              419,931           29%

Dreyfus VIF -- Quality Bond Portfolio:
  Tax qualified.........................           529,887            12.008318            6,363,052            4%
  Non-tax qualified.....................            35,289            12.008318              423,762            4%

Dreyfus VIF -- Small Cap Portfolio:
  Tax qualified.........................         4,221,501            16.742421           70,678,147          (5)%
  Non-tax qualified.....................           154,139            16.742421            2,580,660          (5)%

Fidelity VIP -- Equity-Income Portfolio:
  Tax qualified.........................         5,377,059            22.645632          121,766,899           10%
  Non-tax qualified.....................         1,151,378            22.645632           26,073,682           10%

Fidelity VIP -- High Income Portfolio:
  Tax qualified.........................         1,649,380            14.538235           23,979,074          (6)%
  Non-tax qualified.....................            84,449            14.538235            1,227,739          (6)%

Janus AS -- Janus Aspen
International Growth Portfolio:
  Tax qualified.........................           313,231            11.516019            3,607,174           16%
  Non-tax qualified.....................            12,850            11.516019              147,981           16%

</TABLE>
                                                                     (Continued)
<PAGE>   14
<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>            <C>          <C>              <C>
Nationwide SAT -- Capital Appreciation Fund:
  Tax qualified................................   1,478,599      30.616503      45,269,531     28%
  Non-tax qualified............................     558,311      30.616503      17,093,530     28%

Nationwide SAT -- Government Bond Fund:
  Tax qualified................................   2,177,680      35.013105      76,247,338      7%
  Non-tax qualified............................     885,231      35.026017      31,006,116      7%

Nationwide SAT -- High Income Bond Fund:
  Tax qualified................................      26,163      10.658111         278,848      4%
  Non-tax qualified............................       1,104      10.658111          11,767      4%

Nationwide SAT -- Money Market Fund:
  Tax qualified................................   1,325,652      21.944976       29,091,401     4%
  Non-tax qualified............................     401,628      23.843612        9,576,262     4%

Nationwide SAT -- Total Return Fund:
  Tax qualified................................   4,128,211      92.558757      382,102,079    17%
  Non-tax qualified............................   1,438,302      89.896489      129,298,300    17%

Neuberger & Berman AMT -- Balanced Portfolio:
  Tax qualified................................   1,672,034      20.316082       33,969,180    11%
  Non-tax qualified............................     549,897      20.316082       11,171,753    11%

Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc.:
  Tax qualified................................   1,309,839      16.920120       22,162,633    12%
  Non-tax qualified............................      70,745      16.920120        1,197,014    12%

Templeton VPS -- Templeton International Fund:
  Tax qualified................................   2,030,341      16.833378       34,177,498     8%
  Non-tax qualified............................      80,680      16.833378        1,358,117     8%
                                                  =========      =========
Reserves for annuity contracts in payout phase:
  Tax qualified................................                                     460,852
  Non-tax qualified............................                                     287,444
                                                                             --------------
                                                                             $1,258,717,456
                                                                             ==============

</TABLE>

* The annual return does not include contract charges satisfied by surrendering
  units.



                                       16

<PAGE>   48

<PAGE>   1
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT



The Board of Directors
Nationwide Life Insurance Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nationwide Life
Insurance Company and subsidiaries (collectively the Company), a wholly owned
subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., as of December 31, 1998 and
1997, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholder's equity
and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
1998. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nationwide Life
Insurance Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.


                                                                        KPMG LLP


Columbus, Ohio
January 29, 1999




<PAGE>   2

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

                                 Consolidated Balance Sheets

                     (in millions of dollars, except per share amounts)


                                                                          December 31,
                                                                    -----------------------
                                        Assets                        1998          1997
                                        ------                      ---------     ---------
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>
Investments:
  Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
    Fixed maturity securities                                       $14,245.1     $13,204.1
    Equity securities                                                   127.2          80.4
  Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                  5,328.4       5,181.6
  Real estate, net                                                      243.6         311.4
  Policy loans                                                          464.3         415.3
  Other long-term investments                                            44.0          25.2
  Short-term investments                                                289.1         358.4
                                                                    ---------     ---------
                                                                     20,741.7      19,576.4
                                                                    ---------     ---------

Cash                                                                      3.4         175.6
Accrued investment income                                               218.7         210.5
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                     2,022.2       1,665.4
Other assets                                                            420.3         438.4
Assets held in separate accounts                                     50,935.8      37,724.4
                                                                    ---------     ---------
                                                                    $74,342.1     $59,790.7
                                                                    =========     =========

                         Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
                         ------------------------------------
Future policy benefits and claims                                   $19,767.1     $18,702.8
Other liabilities                                                       866.1         885.6
Liabilities related to separate accounts                             50,935.8      37,724.4
                                                                    ---------     ---------
                                                                     71,569.0      57,312.8
                                                                    ---------     ---------

Commitments and contingencies (notes 7 and 12)

Shareholder's equity:
  Common stock, $1 par value.  Authorized 5.0 million shares;
    3.8 million shares issued and outstanding                             3.8           3.8
  Additional paid-in capital                                            914.7         914.7
  Retained earnings                                                   1,579.0       1,312.3
  Accumulated other comprehensive income                                275.6         247.1
                                                                    ---------     ---------
                                                                      2,773.1       2,477.9
                                                                    ---------     ---------
                                                                    $74,342.1     $59,790.7
                                                                    =========     =========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




<PAGE>   3

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

                                         Consolidated Statements of Income

                                             (in millions of dollars)


                                                                                    Years ended December 31,
                                                                              -----------------------------------
                                                                                 1998         1997        1996
                                                                              --------     --------     ---------
<S>                                                                           <C>          <C>          <C>
Revenues:
  Policy charges                                                              $  698.9     $  545.2     $  400.9
  Life insurance premiums                                                        200.0        205.4        198.6
  Net investment income                                                        1,481.6      1,409.2      1,357.8
  Realized gains (losses) on investments                                          28.4         11.1         (0.3)
  Other                                                                           66.8         46.5         35.9
                                                                              --------     --------     --------
                                                                               2,475.7      2,217.4      1,992.9
                                                                              --------     --------     --------
Benefits and expenses:
  Interest credited to policyholder account balances                           1,069.0      1,016.6        982.3
  Other benefits and claims                                                      175.8        178.2        178.3
  Policyholder dividends on participating policies                                39.6         40.6         41.0
  Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                              214.5        167.2        133.4
  Other operating expenses                                                       419.7        384.9        342.4
                                                                              --------     --------     --------
                                                                               1,918.6      1,787.5      1,677.4
                                                                              --------     --------     --------

    Income from continuing operations before federal income tax expense          557.1        429.9        315.5

Federal income tax expense                                                       190.4        150.2        110.9
                                                                              --------     --------     --------

    Income from continuing operations                                            366.7        279.7        204.6

Income from discontinued operations (less federal income tax expense
  of $4.5 in 1996)                                                                --           --           11.3
                                                                              --------     --------     --------

    Net income                                                                $  366.7     $  279.7     $  215.9
                                                                              ========     ========     ========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




<PAGE>   4

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

                              Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity

                                Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
                                         (in millions of dollars)


                                                                                  Accumulated
                                                         Additional                  other         Total
                                              Common      paid-in      Retained  comprehensive  shareholder's
                                              stock       capital      earnings      income        equity
                                              -----       -------      --------      ------        ------
<S>                                           <C>        <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
December 31, 1995                             $  3.8     $ 657.2      $1,583.2      $ 384.3      $2,628.5

Comprehensive income:
    Net income                                  --          --           215.9         --           215.9
    Net unrealized losses on securities
      available-for-sale arising during
      the year                                  --          --            --         (170.9)       (170.9)
                                                                                                 --------
  Total comprehensive income                                                                         45.0
                                                                                                 --------
Dividends to shareholder                        --        (129.3)       (366.5)       (39.8)       (535.6)
                                              ------     -------      --------      -------      --------
December 31, 1996                                3.8       527.9       1,432.6        173.6       2,137.9

Comprehensive income:
    Net income                                  --          --           279.7         --           279.7
    Net unrealized gains on securities
      available-for-sale arising during
      the year                                  --          --            --           73.5          73.5
                                                                                                 --------
  Total comprehensive income                                                                        353.2
                                                                                                 --------
Capital contribution                            --         836.8          --           --           836.8
Dividend to shareholder                         --        (450.0)       (400.0)        --          (850.0)
                                              ------     -------      --------      -------      --------
December 31, 1997                                3.8       914.7       1,312.3        247.1       2,477.9

Comprehensive income:
    Net income                                  --          --           366.7         --           366.7
    Net unrealized gains on securities
      available-for-sale arising during
      the year                                  --          --            --           28.5          28.5
                                                                                                 --------
  Total comprehensive income                                                                        395.2
                                                                                                 --------
Dividend to shareholder                         --          --          (100.0)        --          (100.0)
                                              ------     -------      --------      -------      --------
December 31, 1998                             $  3.8     $ 914.7      $1,579.0      $ 275.6      $2,773.1
                                              ======     =======      ========      =======      ========

</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





<PAGE>   5

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                     NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                            (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

                                           Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

                                                  (in millions of dollars)


                                                                                           Years ended December 31,
                                                                                   ---------------------------------------
                                                                                     1998           1997            1996
                                                                                   ---------      ---------      ---------
<S>                                                                                <C>            <C>            <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                                                       $   366.7      $   279.7      $   215.9
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
    activities:
      Interest credited to policyholder account balances                             1,069.0        1,016.6          982.3
      Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs                             (584.2)        (487.9)        (422.6)
      Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                                214.5          167.2          133.4
      Amortization and depreciation                                                     (8.5)          (2.0)           7.0
      Realized gains on invested assets, net                                           (28.4)         (11.1)          (0.3)
      (Increase) decrease in accrued investment income                                  (8.2)          (0.3)           2.8
      (Increase) decrease in other assets                                               16.4          (12.7)         (38.9)
      Decrease in policy liabilities                                                    (8.3)         (23.1)        (151.0)
      (Decrease) increase in other liabilities                                         (34.8)         230.6          191.4
      Other, net                                                                       (11.3)         (10.9)         (61.7)
                                                                                   ---------      ---------      ---------
        Net cash provided by operating activities                                      982.9        1,146.1          858.3
                                                                                   ---------      ---------      ---------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale                            1,557.0          993.4        1,162.8
  Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale                                  610.5          574.5          299.6
  Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real estate                            678.2          437.3          309.0
  Proceeds from sale of real estate                                                    103.8           34.8           18.5
  Proceeds from repayments of policy loans and sale of other invested assets            23.6           22.7           22.8
  Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired                                    (3,182.8)      (2,828.1)      (1,573.6)
  Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired                                      (829.1)        (752.2)        (972.8)
  Cost of real estate acquired                                                          (0.8)         (24.9)          (7.9)
  Policy loans issued and other invested assets acquired                               (88.4)         (62.5)         (57.7)
  Short-term investments, net                                                           69.3         (354.8)          28.0
                                                                                   ---------      ---------      ---------
        Net cash used in investing activities                                       (1,058.7)      (1,959.8)        (771.3)
                                                                                   ---------      ---------      ---------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from capital contributions                                                   --            836.8           --
  Cash dividends paid                                                                 (100.0)          --            (50.0)
  Increase in investment product and universal life insurance
    product account balances                                                         2,682.1        2,488.5        1,781.8
  Decrease in investment product and universal life insurance
    product account balances                                                        (2,678.5)      (2,379.8)      (1,784.5)
                                                                                   ---------      ---------      ---------
        Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities                            (96.4)         945.5          (52.7)
                                                                                   ---------      ---------      ---------
Net (decrease) increase in cash                                                       (172.2)         131.8           34.3

Cash, beginning of year                                                                175.6           43.8            9.5
                                                                                   ---------      ---------      ---------
Cash, end of year                                                                  $     3.4      $   175.6      $    43.8
                                                                                   =========      =========      =========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




<PAGE>   6


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                        December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996



(1)      Organization and Description of Business
         ----------------------------------------

         Prior to January 27, 1997, Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC) was
         wholly owned by Nationwide Corporation (Nationwide Corp.). On that
         date, Nationwide Corp. contributed the outstanding shares of NLIC's
         common stock to Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (NFS), a holding
         company formed by Nationwide Corp. in November 1996 for NLIC and the
         other companies within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that offer
         or distribute long-term savings and retirement products. On March 11,
         1997, NFS completed an initial public offering of its Class A common
         stock.

         During 1996 and 1997, Nationwide Corp. and NFS completed certain
         transactions in anticipation of the initial public offering that
         focused the business of NFS on long-term savings and retirement
         products. On September 24, 1996, NLIC declared a dividend payable to
         Nationwide Corp. on January 1, 1997 consisting of the outstanding
         shares of common stock of certain subsidiaries that do not offer or
         distribute long-term savings or retirement products. In addition,
         during 1996, NLIC entered into two reinsurance agreements whereby all
         of NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business was
         ceded to two affiliates effective January 1, 1996. These subsidiaries,
         through December 31, 1996, and all accident and health and group life
         insurance business have been accounted for as discontinued operations
         for all periods presented. See notes 10 and 14. Additionally, NLIC paid
         $900.0 million of dividends, $50.0 million to Nationwide Corp. on
         December 31, 1996 and $850.0 million to NFS, which then made an
         equivalent dividend to Nationwide Corp., on February 24, 1997.

         NFS contributed $836.8 million to the capital of NLIC during March
         1997.

         Wholly owned subsidiaries of NLIC include Nationwide Life and Annuity
         Insurance Company (NLAIC), Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc.,
         Nationwide Investment Services Corporation and NWE, Inc. NLIC and its
         subsidiaries are collectively referred to as "the Company."

         The Company is a leading provider of long-term savings and retirement
         products, including variable annuities, fixed annuities and life
         insurance.

(2)      Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
         ------------------------------------------

         The significant accounting policies followed by the Company that
         materially affect financial reporting are summarized below. The
         accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
         accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which differ
         from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by
         regulatory authorities. Annual Statements for NLIC and NLAIC, filed
         with the Department of Insurance of the State of Ohio (the Department),
         are prepared on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or
         permitted by the Department. Prescribed statutory accounting practices
         include a variety of publications of the National Association of
         Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), as well as state laws, regulations and
         general administrative rules. Permitted statutory accounting practices
         encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed. The Company has
         no material permitted statutory accounting practices.




<PAGE>   7


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



         In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is
         required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
         amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent
         assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial
         statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the
         reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those
         estimates.

         The most significant estimates include those used in determining
         deferred policy acquisition costs, valuation allowances for mortgage
         loans on real estate and real estate investments and the liability for
         future policy benefits and claims. Although some variability is
         inherent in these estimates, management believes the amounts provided
         are adequate.

         (a)  Consolidation Policy
              --------------------

              The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NLIC
              and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Operations that are classified
              and reported as discontinued operations are not consolidated but
              rather are reported as "Income from discontinued operations" in
              the accompanying consolidated statements of income. All
              significant intercompany balances and transactions have been
              eliminated.

         (b)  Valuation of Investments and Related Gains and Losses
              -----------------------------------------------------

              The Company is required to classify its fixed maturity securities
              and equity securities as either held-to-maturity,
              available-for-sale or trading. Fixed maturity securities are
              classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the positive
              intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity and are
              stated at amortized cost. Fixed maturity securities not classified
              as held-to-maturity and all equity securities are classified as
              available-for-sale and are stated at fair value, with the
              unrealized gains and losses, net of adjustments to deferred policy
              acquisition costs and deferred federal income tax, reported as a
              separate component of shareholder's equity. The adjustment to
              deferred policy acquisition costs represents the change in
              amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs that would have
              been required as a charge or credit to operations had such
              unrealized amounts been realized. The Company has no fixed
              maturity securities classified as held-to-maturity or trading as
              of December 31, 1998 or 1997.

              Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at the unpaid principal
              balance less valuation allowances. The Company provides valuation
              allowances for impairments of mortgage loans on real estate based
              on a review by portfolio managers. The measurement of impaired
              loans is based on the present value of expected future cash flows
              discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a
              practical expedient, at the fair value of the collateral, if the
              loan is collateral dependent. Loans in foreclosure and loans
              considered to be impaired are placed on non-accrual status.
              Interest received on non-accrual status mortgage loans on real
              estate is included in interest income in the period received.

              Real estate is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and
              valuation allowances. Other long-term investments are carried on
              the equity basis, adjusted for valuation allowances. Impairment
              losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when
              indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash
              flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the
              assets' carrying amount.

              Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are
              determined on the basis of specific security identification.
              Estimates for valuation allowances and other than temporary
              declines are included in realized gains and losses on investments.




<PAGE>   8

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



         (c)  Revenues and Benefits
              ---------------------

              Investment Products and Universal Life Insurance Products:
              Investment products consist primarily of individual and group
              variable and fixed deferred annuities. Universal life insurance
              products include universal life insurance, variable universal life
              insurance, corporate owned life insurance and other
              interest-sensitive life insurance policies. Revenues for
              investment products and universal life insurance products consist
              of net investment income, asset fees, cost of insurance, policy
              administration and surrender charges that have been earned and
              assessed against policy account balances during the period. Policy
              benefits and claims that are charged to expense include interest
              credited to policy account balances and benefits and claims
              incurred in the period in excess of related policy account
              balances.

              Traditional Life Insurance Products: Traditional life insurance
              products include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums
              and benefits and consist primarily of whole life insurance,
              limited-payment life insurance, term life insurance and certain
              annuities with life contingencies. Premiums for traditional life
              insurance products are recognized as revenue when due. Benefits
              and expenses are associated with earned premiums so as to result
              in recognition of profits over the life of the contract. This
              association is accomplished by the provision for future policy
              benefits and the deferral and amortization of policy acquisition
              costs.

         (d)  Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
              ---------------------------------

              The costs of acquiring new business, principally commissions,
              certain expenses of the policy issue and underwriting department
              and certain variable sales expenses have been deferred. For
              investment products and universal life insurance products,
              deferred policy acquisition costs are being amortized with
              interest over the lives of the policies in relation to the present
              value of estimated future gross profits from projected interest
              margins, asset fees, cost of insurance, policy administration and
              surrender charges. For years in which gross profits are negative,
              deferred policy acquisition costs are amortized based on the
              present value of gross revenues. For traditional life insurance
              products, these deferred policy acquisition costs are
              predominantly being amortized with interest over the premium
              paying period of the related policies in proportion to the ratio
              of actual annual premium revenue to the anticipated total premium
              revenue. Such anticipated premium revenue was estimated using the
              same assumptions as were used for computing liabilities for future
              policy benefits. Deferred policy acquisition costs are adjusted to
              reflect the impact of unrealized gains and losses on fixed
              maturity securities available-for-sale as described in note 2(b).

         (e)  Separate Accounts
              -----------------

              Separate account assets and liabilities represent contractholders'
              funds which have been segregated into accounts with specific
              investment objectives. For all but $743.9 million of separate
              account assets, the investment income and gains or losses of these
              accounts accrue directly to the contractholders. The activity of
              the separate accounts is not reflected in the consolidated
              statements of income and cash flows except for the fees the
              Company receives.

         (f)  Future Policy Benefits
              ----------------------

              Future policy benefits for investment products in the accumulation
              phase, universal life insurance and variable universal life
              insurance policies have been calculated based on participants'
              contributions plus interest credited less applicable contract
              charges. The average interest rate credited on investment product
              policy reserves was 6.0%, 6.1% and 6.3% for the years ended
              December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

              Future policy benefits for traditional life insurance policies
              have been calculated by the net level premium method using
              interest rates varying from 6.0% to 10.5% and estimates of
              mortality, morbidity, investment yields and withdrawals which were
              used or which were being experienced at the time the policies were
              issued, rather than the assumptions prescribed by state regulatory
              authorities.




<PAGE>   9

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



         (g)  Participating Business
              ----------------------

              Participating business represents approximately 40% in 1998 (50%
              in 1997 and 52% in 1996) of the Company's life insurance in force,
              74% in 1998 (77% in 1997 and 78% in 1996) of the number of life
              insurance policies in force, and 14% in 1998 (27% in 1997 and 40%
              in 1996) of life insurance statutory premiums. The provision for
              policyholder dividends is based on current dividend scales and is
              included in "Future policy benefits and claims" in the
              accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

         (h)  Federal Income Tax
              ------------------

              The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with
              Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (NMIC), the majority
              shareholder of Nationwide Corp. The members of the consolidated
              tax return group have a tax sharing arrangement which provides, in
              effect, for each member to bear essentially the same federal
              income tax liability as if separate tax returns were filed.

              The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting
              for income tax. Under this method, deferred tax assets and
              liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
              attributable to differences between the financial statement
              carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their
              respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit
              carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
              using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the
              years in which those temporary differences are expected to be
              recovered or settled. Under this method, the effect on deferred
              tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized
              in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
              Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce the
              deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.

         (i)  Reinsurance Ceded
              -----------------

              Reinsurance premiums ceded and reinsurance recoveries on benefits
              and claims incurred are deducted from the respective income and
              expense accounts. Assets and liabilities related to reinsurance
              ceded are reported on a gross basis. All of the Company's accident
              and health and group life insurance business is ceded to
              affiliates and is accounted for as discontinued operations. See
              notes 10 and 14.





<PAGE>   10

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



(j)           Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
              -----------------------------------------

              On January 1, 1998 the Company adopted SFAS No. 131 - Disclosures
              about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information (SFAS
              131). SFAS 131 supersedes SFAS No. 14 - Financial Reporting for
              Segments of a Business Enterprise. SFAS 131 establishes standards
              for public business enterprises to report information about
              operating segments in annual financial statements and selected
              information about operating segments in interim financial reports.
              SFAS 131 also establishes standards for related disclosures about
              products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. The
              adoption of SFAS 131 did not affect results of operations or
              financial position, nor did it affect the manner in which the
              Company defines its operating segments. The segment information
              required for annual financial statements is included in note 13.

              On January 1, 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 132 - Employers'
              Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (SFAS
              132). SFAS 132 revises employers' disclosures about pension and
              other postretirement benefit plans. The Statement does not change
              the measurement or recognition of benefit plans in the financial
              statements. The revised disclosures required by SFAS 132 are
              included in note 8.

              In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133 - Accounting for
              Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS 133). SFAS 133
              establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative
              instruments and for hedging activities. Contracts that contain
              embedded derivatives, such as certain insurance contracts, are
              also addressed by the Statement. SFAS 133 requires that an entity
              recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the
              statement of financial position and measure those instruments at
              fair value. The Statement is effective for fiscal years beginning
              after June 15, 1999. It may be implemented earlier provided
              adoption occurs as of the beginning of any fiscal quarter after
              issuance. The Company plans to adopt this Statement in first
              quarter 2000 and is currently evaluating the impact on results of
              operations and financial condition.

              In March 1998, The American Institute of Certified Public
              Accountant's Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued
              Statement of Position 98-1 - Accounting for the Costs of Computer
              Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use (SOP 98-1). SOP
              98-1 provides guidance intended to standardize accounting
              practices for costs incurred to develop or obtain computer
              software for internal use. Specifically, SOP 98-1 provides
              guidance for determining whether computer software is for internal
              use and when costs incurred for internal use software are to be
              capitalized. SOP 98-1 is effective for financial statements for
              fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998. The Company does
              not expect the adoption of SOP 98-1, which occurred on January 1,
              1999, to have a material impact on the Company's financial
              statements.


         (k)  Reclassification
              ----------------

              Certain items in the 1997 and 1996 consolidated financial
              statements have been reclassified to conform to the 1998
              presentation.




<PAGE>   11

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



(3)      Investments
         -----------

         The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated
         fair value of securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1998 and
         1997 were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Gross         Gross
                                                                     Amortized     unrealized    unrealized     Estimated
             (in millions of dollars)                                  cost           gains        losses       fair value
             ------------------------                                  ----           -----        ------       ----------
             <S>                                                     <C>             <C>           <C>          <C>
             December 31, 1998:
               Fixed maturity securities:
                 U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
                   government corporations and agencies              $   255.9       $ 13.0        $   --        $   268.9
                 Obligations of states and political subdivisions          1.6           --            --              1.6
                 Debt securities issued by foreign governments           106.5          4.5            --            111.0
                 Corporate securities                                  9,899.6        423.2         (18.7)        10,304.1
                 Mortgage-backed securities                            3,457.7        104.2          (2.4)         3,559.5
                                                                     ---------       ------        ------        ---------
                     Total fixed maturity securities                  13,721.3        544.9         (21.1)        14,245.1
               Equity securities                                         110.4         18.3          (1.5)           127.2
                                                                     ---------       ------        ------        ---------
                                                                     $13,831.7       $563.2        $(22.6)       $14,372.3
                                                                     =========       ======        ======        =========

             December 31, 1997:
               Fixed maturity securities:
                 U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
                   government corporations and agencies              $   305.1       $  8.6        $   --        $   313.7
                 Obligations of states and political subdivisions          1.6           --           --               1.6
                 Debt securities issued by foreign governments            93.3          2.7          (0.2)            95.8
                 Corporate securities                                  8,698.7        355.5         (11.5)         9,042.7
                 Mortgage-backed securities                            3,634.2        118.6          (2.5)         3,750.3
                                                                     ---------       ------        ------        ---------
                     Total fixed maturity securities                  12,732.9        485.4         (14.2)        13,204.1
               Equity securities                                          67.8         12.9          (0.3)            80.4
                                                                     ---------       ------        ------        ---------
                                                                     $12,800.7       $498.3        $(14.5)       $13,284.5
                                                                     =========       ======        ======        =========
</TABLE>

         As of December 31, 1998 the Company had entered into S&P 500 futures
         contracts with a notional amount of $20.0 million to reduce the risk of
         changes in the fair market value of certain investments classified as
         equity securities. These contracts had an unrealized loss of $1.3
         million as of December 31, 1998 which is included in the recorded
         amount of the equity securities and in accumulated other comprehensive
         income, net of tax, similar to other unrealized gains and losses on
         securities available-for-sale.



<PAGE>   12

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity
         securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1998, by expected
         maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from
         contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or
         prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Amortized        Estimated
             (in millions of dollars)                                                 cost          fair value
                                                                                      ----          ----------
             <S>                                                                    <C>              <C>
             Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
               Due in one year or less                                              $ 2,019.9        $ 2,048.0
               Due after one year through five years                                  8,169.1          8,470.6
               Due after five years through ten years                                 2,795.0          2,927.7
               Due after ten years                                                      737.3            798.8
                                                                                    ---------        ---------
                                                                                    $13,721.3        $14,245.1
                                                                                    =========        =========
</TABLE>

         The components of unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale,
         net, were as follows as of December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             (in millions of dollars)                                                1998          1997
                                                                                     ----          ----
             <S>                                                                    <C>           <C>
             Gross unrealized gains                                                 $ 540.6       $ 483.8
             Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs                         (116.6)       (103.7)
             Deferred federal income tax                                             (148.4)       (133.0)
                                                                                    -------       -------
                                                                                    $ 275.6       $ 247.1
                                                                                    =======       =======
</TABLE>

         An analysis of the change in gross unrealized gains (losses) on
         securities available-for-sale and fixed maturity securities
         held-to-maturity follows for the years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             (in millions of dollars)                                         1998          1997          1996
                                                                              ----          ----          ----
             <S>                                                              <C>          <C>          <C>
             Securities available-for-sale:
               Fixed maturity securities                                      $52.6        $137.5       $(289.2)
               Equity securities                                                4.2          (2.7)          8.9
                                                                              -----        ------       -------
                                                                              $56.8        $134.8       $(280.3)
                                                                              =====        ======       =======
</TABLE>

         Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during 1998,
         1997 and 1996 were $610.5 million, $574.5 million and $299.6 million,
         respectively. During 1998, gross gains of $9.0 million ($9.9 million
         and $6.6 million in 1997 and 1996, respectively) and gross losses of
         $7.6 million ($18.0 million and $6.9 million in 1997 and 1996,
         respectively) were realized on those sales. In addition, gross gains of
         $15.1 million and gross losses of $0.7 million were realized in 1997
         when the Company paid a dividend to NFS, which then made an equivalent
         dividend to Nationwide Corp., consisting of securities having an
         aggregate fair value of $850.0 million.

         The recorded investment of mortgage loans on real estate considered to
         be impaired as of December 31, 1998 was $3.7 million. No valuation
         allowance has been recorded for these loans as of December 31, 1998.
         The recorded investment of mortgage loans on real estate considered to
         be impaired as of December 31, 1997 was $19.9 million which includes
         $3.9 million of impaired mortgage loans on real estate for which the
         related valuation allowance was $0.1 million and $16.0 million of
         impaired mortgage loans on real estate for which there was no valuation
         allowance. During 1998, the average recorded investment in impaired
         mortgage loans on real estate was approximately $9.1 million ($31.8
         million in 1997) and interest income recognized on those loans was $0.3
         million ($1.0 million in 1997), which is equal to interest income
         recognized using a cash-basis method of income recognition.



<PAGE>   13

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



         Activity in the valuation allowance account for mortgage loans on real
         estate is summarized for the years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             (in millions of dollars)                                                1998          1997
                                                                                     ----          ----
             <S>                                                                     <C>           <C>
             Allowance, beginning of year                                            $42.5         $51.0
               Reductions credited to operations                                      (0.1)         (1.2)
               Direct write-downs charged against the allowance                         --          (7.3)
                                                                                     -----         -----
             Allowance, end of year                                                  $42.4         $42.5
                                                                                     =====         =====
</TABLE>

         Real estate is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation of $21.5
         million as of December 31, 1998 ($45.1 million as of December 31, 1997)
         and valuation allowances of $5.4 million as of December 31, 1998 ($11.1
         million as of December 31, 1997).

         Investments that were non-income producing for the twelve month period
         preceding December 31, 1998 amounted to $42.4 million ($19.4 million
         for 1997) and consisted of $32.7 million ($3.0 million in 1997) in
         securities available-for-sale and $9.7 million ($16.4 million in 1997)
         in real estate.

         An analysis of investment income by investment type follows for the
         years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             (in millions of dollars)                                      1998            1997           1996
                                                                           ----            ----           ----
             <S>                                                          <C>             <C>            <C>
             Gross investment income:
               Securities available-for-sale:
                 Fixed maturity securities                                $  982.5        $  911.6       $  917.1
                 Equity securities                                             0.8             0.8            1.3
               Mortgage loans on real estate                                 458.9           457.7          432.8
               Real estate                                                    40.4            42.9           44.3
               Short-term investments                                         17.8            22.7            4.2
               Other                                                          30.7            21.0            4.0
                                                                          --------        --------       --------
                   Total investment income                                 1,531.1         1,456.7        1,403.7
             Less investment expenses                                         49.5            47.5           45.9
                                                                          --------        --------       --------
                   Net investment income                                  $1,481.6        $1,409.2       $1,357.8
                                                                          ========        ========       ========
</TABLE>

         An analysis of realized gains (losses) on investments, net of valuation
         allowances, by investment type follows for the years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             (in millions of dollars)                                        1998            1997           1996
                                                                             ----            ----           ----
             <S>                                                            <C>             <C>            <C>
             Securities available-for-sale:
               Fixed maturity securities                                    $(0.7)          $ 3.6          $(3.5)
               Equity securities                                              2.1             2.7            3.2
             Mortgage loans on real estate                                    3.9             1.6           (4.1)
             Real estate and other                                           23.1             3.2            4.1
                                                                            -----           -----          -----
                                                                            $28.4           $11.1          $(0.3)
                                                                            =====           =====          =====
</TABLE>

         Fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $6.5 million and
         $6.2 million as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, were on
         deposit with various regulatory agencies as required by law.



<PAGE>   14

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



(4)      Federal Income Tax
         ------------------

         The Company's current federal income tax liability was $72.8 million
         and $60.1 million as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

         The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
         components of the net deferred tax liability as of December 31, 1998
         and 1997 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             (in millions of dollars)                                        1998            1997
                                                                             ----            ----
             <S>                                                            <C>             <C>
             Deferred tax assets:
               Future policy benefits                                       $207.7          $200.1
               Liabilities in Separate Accounts                              319.9           242.0
               Mortgage loans on real estate and real estate                  17.5            19.0
               Other assets and other liabilities                             58.9            59.2
                                                                            ------          ------
                 Total gross deferred tax assets                             604.0           520.3
                 Less valuation allowance                                     (7.0)           (7.0)
                                                                            ------          ------
                 Net deferred tax assets                                     597.0           513.3
                                                                            ------          ------

             Deferred tax liabilities:
               Deferred policy acquisition costs                             568.7           480.5
               Fixed maturity securities                                     212.2           193.3
               Deferred tax on realized investment gains                      34.8            40.1
               Equity securities and other long-term investments               9.6             7.5
               Other                                                          21.6            22.2
                                                                            ------          ------
                 Total gross deferred tax liabilities                        846.9           743.6
                                                                            ------          ------
                 Net deferred tax liability                                 $249.9          $230.3
                                                                            ======          ======
</TABLE>

         In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management
         considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the
         total gross deferred tax assets will not be realized. Nearly all future
         deductible amounts can be offset by future taxable amounts or recovery
         of federal income tax paid within the statutory carryback period. There
         has been no change in the valuation allowance for the years ended
         December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.

         Federal income tax expense attributable to income from continuing
         operations for the years ended December 31 was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           (in millions of dollars)                                   1998            1997            1996
                                                                      ----            ----            ----
           <S>                                                       <C>             <C>             <C>
           Currently payable                                         $186.1          $121.7          $116.5
           Deferred tax expense (benefit)                               4.3            28.5            (5.6)
                                                                     ------          ------          ------
                                                                     $190.4          $150.2          $110.9
                                                                     ======          ======          ======
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   15

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



         Total federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1998,
         1997 and 1996 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S.
         federal income tax rate to income before tax as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1998                     1997                     1996
                                                       -----------------        ----------------        -----------------
         (in millions of dollars)                      Amount        %          Amount        %          Amount        %
                                                       ------        -          ------        -          ------        -

         <S>                                           <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
         Computed (expected) tax expense               $195.0      35.0         $150.5      35.0         $110.4      35.0
         Tax exempt interest and dividends
           received deduction                            (4.9)     (0.9)           -         0.0           (0.2)     (0.1)
         Other, net                                       0.3       0.1           (0.3)     (0.1)           0.7       0.3
                                                       ------      ----         ------      ----         ------      ----
             Total (effective rate of each year)       $190.4      34.2         $150.2      34.9         $110.9      35.2
                                                       ======      ====         ======      ====         ======      ====
</TABLE>

         Total federal income tax paid was $173.4 million, $91.8 million and
         $115.8 million during the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996,
         respectively.

(5)      Comprehensive Income
         --------------------

         Pursuant to SFAS No. 130 - Reporting Comprehensive Income, which the
         Company adopted January 1, 1998, the Consolidated Statements of
         Shareholder's Equity include a new measure called "Comprehensive
         Income". Comprehensive Income includes net income as well as certain
         items that are reported directly within separate components of
         shareholders' equity that bypass net income. Currently, the Company's
         only component of Other Comprehensive Income is unrealized gains
         (losses) on securities available-for-sale. The related before and after
         federal tax amounts are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             (in millions of dollars)                                        1998           1997           1996
                                                                             ----           ----           ----
             <S>                                                            <C>            <C>            <C>
             Unrealized gains (losses) on securities
                available-for-sale arising during the period:
                Gross                                                       $ 58.2        $141.1         $(272.4)
                Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs              (12.9)        (21.8)           57.0
                Related federal income tax (expense) benefit                 (15.9)        (41.7)           44.0
                                                                            ------        ------          ------
                   Net                                                        29.4          77.6          (171.4)
                                                                            ------        ------          ------

             Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses
                on securities available-for-sale realized
                during the period:
                Gross                                                         (1.4)         (6.3)             0.7
                Related federal income tax expense (benefit)                   0.5           2.2             (0.2)
                                                                            ------        ------          -------
                   Net                                                        (0.9)         (4.1)             0.5
                                                                            ------        ------          -------
             Total Other Comprehensive Income                               $ 28.5        $ 73.5          $(170.9)
                                                                            ======        ======          =======
</TABLE>

(6)      Fair Value of Financial Instruments
         -----------------------------------

         The following disclosures summarize the carrying amount and estimated
         fair value of the Company's financial instruments. Certain assets and
         liabilities are specifically excluded from the disclosure requirements
         of financial instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts
         presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.




<PAGE>   16

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



         The fair value of a financial instrument is defined as the amount at
         which the financial instrument could be exchanged in a current
         transaction between willing parties. In cases where quoted market
         prices are not available, fair value is to be based on estimates using
         present value or other valuation techniques. Many of the Company's
         assets and liabilities subject to the disclosure requirements are not
         actively traded, requiring fair values to be estimated by management
         using present value or other valuation techniques. These techniques are
         significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount
         rate and estimates of future cash flows. Although fair value estimates
         are calculated using assumptions that management believes are
         appropriate, changes in assumptions could cause these estimates to vary
         materially. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be
         substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases,
         could not be realized in the immediate settlement of the instruments.

         Although insurance contracts, other than policies such as annuities
         that are classified as investment contracts, are specifically exempted
         from the disclosure requirements, estimated fair value of policy
         reserves on life insurance contracts is provided to make the fair value
         disclosures more meaningful.

         The tax ramifications of the related unrealized gains and losses can
         have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been
         considered in the estimates.

         The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in
         estimating its fair value disclosures:

              Fixed maturity and equity securities: The fair value for fixed
              maturity securities is based on quoted market prices, where
              available. For fixed maturity securities not actively traded, fair
              value is estimated using values obtained from independent pricing
              services or, in the case of private placements, is estimated by
              discounting expected future cash flows using a current market rate
              applicable to the yield, credit quality and maturity of the
              investments. The fair value for equity securities is based on
              quoted market prices. The carrying amount and fair value for
              equity securities exclude the fair value of futures contracts
              designated as hedges of equity securities.

              Mortgage loans on real estate, net: The fair value for mortgage
              loans on real estate is estimated using discounted cash flow
              analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for similar
              loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings. Loans with similar
              characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations.
              Fair value for mortgage loans in default is the estimated fair
              value of the underlying collateral.

              Policy loans, short-term investments and cash: The carrying amount
              reported in the consolidated balance sheets for these instruments
              approximates their fair value.

              Separate account assets and liabilities: The fair value of assets
              held in separate accounts is based on quoted market prices. The
              fair value of liabilities related to separate accounts is the
              amount payable on demand, which is net of certain surrender
              charges.

              Investment contracts: The fair value for the Company's liabilities
              under investment type contracts is disclosed using two methods.
              For investment contracts without defined maturities, fair value is
              the amount payable on demand. For investment contracts with known
              or determined maturities, fair value is estimated using discounted
              cash flow analysis. Interest rates used are similar to currently
              offered contracts with maturities consistent with those remaining
              for the contracts being valued.



<PAGE>   17

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



              Policy reserves on life insurance contracts: Included are
              disclosures for individual life insurance, universal life
              insurance and supplementary contracts with life contingencies for
              which the estimated fair value is the amount payable on demand.
              Also included are disclosures for the Company's limited payment
              policies, which the Company has used discounted cash flow analyses
              similar to those used for investment contracts with known
              maturities to estimate fair value.

              Commitments to extend credit: Commitments to extend credit have
              nominal fair value because of the short-term nature of such
              commitments. See note 7.

              Futures contracts: The fair value for futures contracts is based
              on quoted market prices.

           Carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments
           subject to disclosure requirements and policy reserves on life
           insurance contracts were as follows as of December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1998                              1997
                                                               -------------------------        --------------------------
                                                                Carrying      Estimated          Carrying       Estimated
               (in millions of dollars)                          amount       fair value          amount        fair value
                                                               ---------      ----------        ---------       ----------
               <S>                                              <C>            <C>               <C>            <C>
               Assets:
                 Investments:
                   Securities available-for-sale:
                     Fixed maturity securities                  $14,245.1      $14,245.1         $13,204.1       $13,204.1
                     Equity securities                              128.5          128.5              80.4            80.4
                   Mortgage loans on real estate, net             5,328.4        5,527.6           5,181.6         5,509.7
                   Policy loans                                     464.3          464.3             415.3           415.3
                   Short-term investments                           289.1          289.1             358.4           358.4
                 Cash                                                 3.4            3.4             175.6           175.6
                 Assets held in separate accounts                50,935.8       50,935.8          37,724.4        37,724.4

               Liabilities:
                 Investment contracts                            15,468.7       15,158.6          14,708.2        14,322.1
                 Policy reserves on life insurance contracts      3,914.0        3,768.9           3,345.4         3,182.4
                 Liabilities related to separate accounts        50,935.8       49,926.5          37,724.4        36,747.0
                 Futures contracts                                    1.3            1.3                --              --
</TABLE>

(7)      Risk Disclosures
         ----------------

         The following is a description of the most significant risks facing
         life insurers and how the Company mitigates those risks:

         Credit Risk: The risk that issuers of securities owned by the Company
         or mortgagors on mortgage loans on real estate owned by the Company
         will default or that other parties, including reinsurers, which owe the
         Company money, will not pay. The Company minimizes this risk by
         adhering to a conservative investment strategy, by maintaining
         reinsurance and credit and collection policies and by providing for any
         amounts deemed uncollectible.

         Interest Rate Risk: The risk that interest rates will change and cause
         a decrease in the value of an insurer's investments. This change in
         rates may cause certain interest-sensitive products to become
         uncompetitive or may cause disintermediation. The Company mitigates
         this risk by charging fees for non-conformance with certain policy
         provisions, by offering products that transfer this risk to the
         purchaser, and/or by attempting to match the maturity schedule of its
         assets with the expected payouts of its liabilities. To the extent that
         liabilities come due more quickly than assets mature, an insurer would
         have to borrow funds or sell assets prior to maturity and potentially
         recognize a gain or loss.



<PAGE>   18

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



         Legal/Regulatory Risk: The risk that changes in the legal or regulatory
         environment in which an insurer operates will result in increased
         competition, reduced demand for a company's products, or create
         additional expenses not anticipated by the insurer in pricing its
         products. The Company mitigates this risk by offering a wide range of
         products and by operating throughout the United States, thus reducing
         its exposure to any single product or jurisdiction, and also by
         employing underwriting practices which identify and minimize the
         adverse impact of this risk.

         Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk: The Company is a
         party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the
         normal course of business through management of its investment
         portfolio. These financial instruments include commitments to extend
         credit in the form of loans. These instruments involve, to varying
         degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of amounts recognized on the
         consolidated balance sheets.

         Commitments to fund fixed rate mortgage loans on real estate are
         agreements to lend to a borrower, and are subject to conditions
         established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed
         expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment
         of a deposit. Commitments extended by the Company are based on
         management's case-by-case credit evaluation of the borrower and the
         borrower's loan collateral. The underlying mortgage property represents
         the collateral if the commitment is funded. The Company's policy for
         new mortgage loans on real estate is to lend no more than 75% of
         collateral value. Should the commitment be funded, the Company's
         exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the borrower
         is represented by the contractual amounts of these commitments less the
         net realizable value of the collateral. The contractual amounts also
         represent the cash requirements for all unfunded commitments.
         Commitments on mortgage loans on real estate of $156.0 million
         extending into 1999 were outstanding as of December 31, 1998. The
         Company also had $40.0 million of commitments to purchase fixed
         maturity securities outstanding as of December 31, 1998.

         Significant Concentrations of Credit Risk: The Company grants mainly
         commercial mortgage loans on real estate to customers throughout the
         United States. The Company has a diversified portfolio with no more
         than 22% (20% in 1997) in any geographic area and no more than 2% (2%
         in 1997) with any one borrower as of December 31, 1998. As of December
         31, 1998, 42% (46% in 1997) of the remaining principal balance of the
         Company's commercial mortgage loan portfolio financed retail
         properties.

         Reinsurance: The Company has entered into a reinsurance contract to
         cede a portion of its general account individual annuity business to
         The Franklin Life Insurance Company (Franklin). Total recoveries due
         from Franklin were $187.9 million and $220.2 million as of December 31,
         1998 and 1997, respectively. The contract is immaterial to the
         Company's results of operations. The ceding of risk does not discharge
         the original insurer from its primary obligation to the policyholder.
         Under the terms of the contract, Franklin has established a trust as
         collateral for the recoveries. The trust assets are invested in
         investment grade securities, the market value of which must at all
         times be greater than or equal to 102% of the reinsured reserves.

(8)      Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
         ------------------------------------------------------------

         The Company is a participant, together with other affiliated companies,
         in a pension plan covering all employees who have completed at least
         one year of service. The Company funds pension costs accrued for direct
         employees plus an allocation of pension costs accrued for employees of
         affiliates whose work efforts benefit the Company. Assets of the
         Retirement Plan are invested in group annuity contracts of NLIC and
         Employers Life Insurance Company of Wausau (ELICW).

         Pension costs charged to operations by the Company during the years
         ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 were $2.0 million, $7.5 million
         and $7.4 million, respectively. The Company has recorded a prepaid
         pension asset of $5.0 million as of December 31, 1998 and no prepaid or
         accrued pension asset or expense as of December 31, 1997.



<PAGE>   19

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



         In addition to the defined benefit pension plan, the Company, together
         with other affiliated companies, participates in life and health care
         defined benefit plans for qualifying retirees. Postretirement life and
         health care benefits are contributory and generally available to full
         time employees who have attained age 55 and have accumulated 15 years
         of service with the Company after reaching age 40. Postretirement
         health care benefit contributions are adjusted annually and contain
         cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance. In addition,
         there are caps on the Company's portion of the per-participant cost of
         the postretirement health care benefits. These caps can increase
         annually, but not more than three percent. The Company's policy is to
         fund the cost of health care benefits in amounts determined at the
         discretion of management. Plan assets are invested primarily in group
         annuity contracts of NLIC.

         The Company elected to immediately recognize its estimated accumulated
         postretirement benefit obligation (APBO), however, certain affiliated
         companies elected to amortize their initial transition obligation over
         periods ranging from 10 to 20 years.

         The Company's accrued postretirement benefit expense as of December 31,
         1998 and 1997 was $40.1 million and $36.5 million, respectively, and
         the net periodic postretirement benefit cost (NPPBC) for 1998, 1997 and
         1996 was $4.1 million, $3.0 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

         Information regarding the funded status of the pension plan as a whole
         and the postretirement life and health care benefit plan as a whole as
         of December 31, 1998 and 1997 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Pension Benefits      Postretirement Benefits
                                                                           ---------------------   -----------------------
              (in millions of dollars)                                       1998         1997         1998       1997
              ---------------------------------------------------------    --------     --------     --------   -------
              <S>                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
              Change in benefit obligation:
              Benefit obligation at beginning of year                      $2,033.8     $1,847.8      $237.9    $ 200.7
              Service cost                                                     87.6         77.3         9.8        7.0
              Interest cost                                                   123.4        118.6        15.4       14.0
              Actuarial loss                                                  123.2         60.0        15.6       24.4
              Plan curtailment in 1998/merger in 1997                        (107.2)         1.5         -          -
              Benefits paid                                                   (75.8)       (71.4)       (8.6)      (8.2)
                                                                           --------     --------     -------    -------
              Benefit obligation at end of year                             2,185.0      2,033.8       270.1      237.9
                                                                           --------     --------     -------    -------

              Change in plan assets:
              Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year                2,212.9      1,947.9        69.2       63.0
              Actual return on plan assets                                    300.7        328.1         5.0        3.6
              Employer contribution                                           104.1          7.2        12.1       10.6
              Plan merger                                                       -            1.1         -          -
              Benefits paid                                                   (75.8)       (71.4)       (8.4)      (8.0)
                                                                           --------     --------     -------    -------
              Fair value of plan assets at end of year                      2,541.9      2,212.9        77.9       69.2
                                                                           --------     --------     -------    -------

              Funded status                                                   356.9        179.1      (192.2)    (168.7)
              Unrecognized prior service cost                                  31.5         34.7         -          -
              Unrecognized net (gains) losses                                (345.7)      (330.7)       16.0        1.6
              Unrecognized net (asset) obligation at transition               (11.0)        33.3         1.3        1.5
                                                                           --------     --------     -------    -------
              Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost                               $   31.7     $  (83.6)    $(174.9)   $(165.6)
                                                                           ========     ========     =======    =======
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   20

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



         Basis for measurements, funded status of the pension plan and
         postretirement life and health care benefit plan:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Pension Benefits          Postretirement Benefits
                                                                          --------------------         -----------------------
                                                                            1998         1997            1998           1997
                                                                          --------      ------         --------       --------
              <S>                                                         <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
              Weighted average discount rate                               5.50%         6.00%           6.65%         6.70%
              Rate of increase in future compensation levels               3.75%         4.25%             --            --
              Assumed health care cost trend rate:
                    Initial rate                                             --            --           15.00%        12.13%
                    Ultimate rate                                            --            --            8.00%         6.12%
                    Uniform declining period                                 --            --           15 Years      12 Years
</TABLE>

         The net periodic pension cost for the pension plan as a whole for the
         years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              (in millions of dollars)                                                   1998         1997         1996
              --------------------------------------------------------------------------------        ----         ----
              <S>                                                                      <C>          <C>
              Service cost (benefits earned during the period)                         $  87.6      $  77.3      $  75.5
              Interest cost on projected benefit obligation                              123.4        118.6        105.5
              Expected return on plan assets                                            (159.0)      (139.0)      (116.1)
              Recognized gains                                                            (3.8)         -            -
              Amortization of prior service cost                                           3.2          3.2          3.2
              Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation                           4.2          4.2          4.1
                                                                                       -------      -------      -------
                                                                                       $  55.6      $  64.3      $  72.2
                                                                                       =======      =======      =======
</TABLE>

         Effective December 31, 1998, Wausau Service Corporation (WSC) ended its
         affiliation with the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and employees of
         WSC ended participation in the plan. A curtailment gain of $67.1
         million resulted (consisting of a $107.2 million reduction in the
         projected benefit obligation, net of the write-off of the $40.1 million
         remaining unamortized transition obligation related to WSC). The
         Company anticipates that the plan will settle the obligation related to
         WSC employees with a transfer of assets during 1999.

         Basis for measurements, net periodic pension cost for the pension plan:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       1998          1997          1996
                                                                                       ----          ----          ----
             <S>                                                                       <C>           <C>           <C>
             Weighted average discount rate                                            6.00%         6.50%         6.00%
             Rate of increase in future compensation levels                            4.25%         4.75%         4.25%
             Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets                          7.25%         7.25%         6.75%
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   21

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



         The amount of NPPBC for the postretirement benefit plan as a whole for
         the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             (in millions of dollars)                                                    1998          1997          1996
                                                                                         ----          ----          ----
             <S>                                                                         <C>           <C>           <C>
             Service cost (benefits attributed to employee service during the year)      $ 9.8         $ 7.0         $ 6.5
             Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation               15.4          14.0          13.7
             Actual return on plan assets                                                 (5.0)         (3.6)         (4.3)
             Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates              0.2           0.2           0.2
             Net amortization and deferral                                                 1.2          (0.5)          1.8
                                                                                         -----         -----         -----
                                                                                         $21.6         $17.1         $17.9
                                                                                         =====         =====         =====
</TABLE>

         Actuarial assumptions used for the measurement of the accumulated
         postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) and the NPPBC for the
         postretirement benefit plan for 1998, 1997 and 1996 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1998           1997         1996
                                                                                      -----          -----        ----
             <S>                                                                     <C>            <C>           <C>
             NPPBC:
               Discount rate                                                          6.70%         7.25%         6.65%
               Long term rate of return on plan
                   assets, net of tax                                                 5.83%         5.89%         4.80%
               Assumed health care cost trend rate:
                   Initial rate                                                      12.00%        11.00%        11.00%
                   Ultimate rate                                                      6.00%         6.00%         6.00%
                   Uniform declining period                                         12 Years      12 Years      12 Years
</TABLE>

         For the postretirement benefit plan as a whole, a one percentage point
         increase or decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate would
         have no impact on the APBO as of December 31, 1998 and have no impact
         on the NPPBC for the year ended December 31, 1998.

(9)      Shareholder's Equity, Regulatory Risk-Based Capital, Retained Earnings
         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
         and Dividend Restrictions
         -------------------------

         Ohio, NLIC's and NLAIC's state of domicile, imposes minimum risk-based
         capital requirements that were developed by the NAIC. The formulas for
         determining the amount of risk-based capital specify various weighting
         factors that are applied to financial balances or various levels of
         activity based on the perceived degree of risk. Regulatory compliance
         is determined by a ratio of the company's regulatory total adjusted
         capital, as defined by the NAIC, to its authorized control level
         risk-based capital, as defined by the NAIC. Companies below specific
         trigger points or ratios are classified within certain levels, each of
         which requires specified corrective action. NLIC and NLAIC each exceed
         the minimum risk-based capital requirements.

         The statutory capital and surplus of NLIC as of December 31, 1998, 1997
         and 1996 was $1.32 billion, $1.13 billion and $1.00 billion,
         respectively. The statutory net income of NLIC for the years ended
         December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $171.0 million, $111.7 million and
         $73.2 million, respectively.

         The Company is limited in the amount of shareholder dividends it may
         pay without prior approval by the Department. As of December 31, 1998,
         the maximum amount available for dividend payment from the Company to
         its shareholder without prior approval of the Department was $71.0
         million.




<PAGE>   22

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



         In addition, the payment of dividends by NLIC may also be subject to
         restrictions set forth in the insurance laws of New York that limit the
         amount of statutory profits on NLIC's participating policies (measured
         before dividends to policyholders) that can inure to the benefit of the
         Company and its shareholder.

         The Company currently does not expect such regulatory requirements to
         impair its ability to pay operating expenses and shareholder dividends
         in the future.

(10)     Transactions With Affiliates
         ----------------------------

         As part of the restructuring described in note 1, NLIC paid a dividend
         valued at $485.7 million to Nationwide Corp. on January 1, 1997
         consisting of the outstanding shares of common stock of ELICW, National
         Casualty Company (NCC) and West Coast Life Insurance Company (WCLIC).
         Also, on February 24, 1997, NLIC paid a dividend to NFS, and NFS paid
         an equivalent dividend to Nationwide Corp., consisting of securities
         having an aggregate fair value of $850.0 million. The Company
         recognized a gain of $14.4 million on the transfer of securities.

         The Company leases office space from NMIC and certain of its
         subsidiaries. For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the
         Company made lease payments to NMIC and its subsidiaries of $8.0
         million, $8.4 million and $9.1 million, respectively.

         Pursuant to a cost sharing agreement among NMIC and certain of its
         direct and indirect subsidiaries, including the Company, NMIC provides
         certain operational and administrative services, such as sales support,
         advertising, personnel and general management services, to those
         subsidiaries. Expenses covered by this agreement are subject to
         allocation among NMIC, the Company and other affiliates. Amounts
         allocated to the Company were $95.0 million, $85.8 million and $101.6
         million in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The allocations are based
         on techniques and procedures in accordance with insurance regulatory
         guidelines. Measures used to allocate expenses among companies include
         individual employee estimates of time spent, special cost studies,
         salary expense, commissions expense and other methods agreed to by the
         participating companies that are within industry guidelines and
         practices. The Company believes these allocation methods are
         reasonable. In addition, the Company does not believe that expenses
         recognized under the inter-company agreements are materially different
         than expenses that would have been recognized had the Company operated
         on a stand alone basis. Amounts payable to NMIC from the Company under
         the cost sharing agreement were $31.9 million and $20.5 million as of
         December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

         The Company also participates in intercompany repurchase agreements
         with affiliates whereby the seller will transfer securities to the
         buyer at a stated value. Upon demand or a stated period, the securities
         will be repurchased by the seller at the original sales price plus a
         price differential. Transactions under the agreements during 1998 and
         1997 were not material. The Company believes that the terms of the
         repurchase agreements are materially consistent with what the Company
         could have obtained with unaffiliated parties.





<PAGE>   23

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



         Intercompany reinsurance agreements exist between NLIC and,
         respectively, NMIC and ELICW whereby all of NLIC's accident and health
         and group life insurance business is ceded on a modified coinsurance
         basis. NLIC entered into the reinsurance agreements during 1996 because
         the accident and health and group life insurance business was unrelated
         to the Company's long-term savings and retirement products.
         Accordingly, the accident and health and group life insurance business
         has been accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods
         presented. Under modified coinsurance agreements, invested assets are
         retained by the ceding company and investment earnings are paid to the
         reinsurer. Under the terms of the Company's agreements, the investment
         risk associated with changes in interest rates is borne by ELICW or
         NMIC, as the case may be. Risk of asset default is retained by the
         Company, although a fee is paid by ELICW or NMIC, as the case may be,
         to the Company for the Company's retention of such risk. The agreements
         will remain in force until all policy obligations are settled. However,
         with respect to the agreement between NLIC and NMIC, either party may
         terminate the contract on January 1 of any year with prior notice. The
         ceding of risk does not discharge the original insurer from its primary
         obligation to the policyholder. The Company believes that the terms of
         the modified coinsurance agreements are consistent in all material
         respects with what the Company could have obtained with unaffiliated
         parties. Amounts ceded to NMIC and ELICW for the years ended December
         31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1998                       1997                          1996
                                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         (in millions of dollars)               NMIC          ELICW        NMIC         ELICW            NMIC         ELICW
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         <S>                                    <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>
         Premiums                               $90.1        $106.3       $ 91.4        $199.8          $ 97.3        $224.2
         Net investment income and other
            revenue                             $11.1        $  9.4       $ 10.7        $ 13.4          $ 10.9        $ 14.8
         Benefits, claims and expenses          $98.8        $160.5       $100.7        $225.9          $100.5        $246.6
</TABLE>

         The Company and various affiliates entered into agreements with
         Nationwide Cash Management Company (NCMC), an affiliate, under which
         NCMC acts as a common agent in handling the purchase and sale of
         short-term securities for the respective accounts of the participants.
         Amounts on deposit with NCMC were $248.4 million and $211.0 million as
         of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and are included in
         short-term investments on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

         Certain annuity products are sold through three affiliated companies,
         which are also subsidiaries of NFS. Total commissions and fees paid to
         these affiliates for the three years ended December 31, 1998 were $60.0
         million, $66.1 million and $76.9 million, respectively.

(11)     Bank Lines of Credit
         --------------------

         In August 1996, NLIC, along with NMIC, entered into a $600.0 million
         revolving credit facility which provides for a $600.0 million loan over
         a five year term on a fully revolving basis with a group of national
         financial institutions. The credit facility provides for several and
         not joint liability with respect to any amount drawn by either NLIC or
         NMIC. NLIC and NMIC pay facility and usage fees to the financial
         institutions to maintain the revolving credit facility. All previously
         existing line of credit agreements were canceled. In September 1997,
         the credit agreement was amended to include NFS as a party to and
         borrower under the agreement. As of December 31, 1998 the Company had
         no amounts outstanding under the agreement.




<PAGE>   24

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



(12)     Contingencies
         -------------

         On October 29, 1998, the Company and certain of its affiliates were
         named in a lawsuit filed in the Common Pleas Court of Franklin County,
         Ohio related to the sale of deferred annuity products for use as
         investments in tax-deferred contributory retirement plans (Mercedes
         Castillo v. Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., Nationwide Life
         Insurance Company and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company).
         The plaintiff in such lawsuit seeks to represent a national class of
         the Company's customers and seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive
         damages. The Company is currently evaluating this lawsuit, which is in
         an early stage and has not been certified as a class. The Company
         intends to defend this lawsuit vigorously.

(13)     Segment Information
         -------------------

         The Company uses differences in products as the basis for defining its
         reportable segments. The Company reports three product segments:
         Variable Annuities, Fixed Annuities and Life Insurance.

         The Variable Annuities segment consists of annuity contracts that
         provide the customer with the opportunity to invest in mutual funds
         managed by independent investment managers and the Company, with
         investment returns accumulating on a tax-deferred basis. The Company's
         variable annuity products consist almost entirely of flexible premium
         deferred variable annuity contracts.

         The Fixed Annuities segment consists of annuity contracts that generate
         a return for the customer at a specified interest rate, fixed for a
         prescribed period, with returns accumulating on a tax-deferred basis.
         Such contracts consist of single premium deferred annuities, flexible
         premium deferred annuities and single premium immediate annuities. The
         Fixed Annuities segment includes the fixed option under variable
         annuity contracts.

         The Life Insurance segment consists of insurance products, including
         variable universal life insurance and corporate-owned life insurance
         products, that provide a death benefit and may also allow the customer
         to build cash value on a tax-deferred basis.

         In addition to the product segments, the Company reports corporate
         revenue and expenses, investments and related investment income
         supporting capital not specifically allocated to its product segments,
         revenues and expenses of its investment advisor subsidiary (other than
         the portion allocated to the Variable Annuities and Life Insurance
         segments), revenues and expenses related to group annuity contracts
         sold to Nationwide Insurance Enterprise employee and agent benefit
         plans and all realized gains and losses on investments in a Corporate
         and Other segment.





<PAGE>   25

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



The following table summarizes the financial results of the Company's business
segments for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Variable      Fixed       Life     Corporate
(in millions of dollars)               Annuities   Annuities   Insurance  and Other    Total
- ------------------------------------  ---------    ---------   ---------  ---------    -----
<S>                                   <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
1998:
Net investment income (1)             $   (31.3)   $ 1,116.6   $  231.6   $  164.7   $ 1,481.6
Other operating revenue                   560.8         35.7      319.6       49.6       965.7
                                      ---------    ---------   --------   --------   ---------
   Total operating revenue (2)            529.5      1,152.3      551.2      214.3     2,447.3
                                      ---------    ---------   --------   --------   ---------
Interest credited to policyholder
   account balances                          --        828.6      115.4      125.0     1,069.0
Amortization of deferred policy
   acquisition costs                      123.9         44.2       46.4         --       214.5
Other benefits and expenses               187.2        104.2      294.6       49.1       635.1
                                      ---------    ---------   --------   --------   ---------
   Total expenses                         311.1        977.0      456.4      174.1     1,918.6
                                      ---------    ---------   --------   --------   ---------
Operating income (loss) before
   federal income tax                     218.4        175.3       94.8       40.2       528.7
Realized gains on investments                --           --         --       28.4        28.4
                                      ---------    ---------   --------   --------   ---------
Consolidated income before
   federal tax expense                $   218.4    $   175.3   $   94.8   $   68.6   $   557.1
                                      =========    =========   ========   ========   =========

Assets as of year end                 $47,668.7    $15,215.7   $5,187.6   $6,270.1   $74,342.1
                                      =========    =========   ========   ========   =========


1997:
Net investment income (1)             $   (26.9)   $ 1,098.2   $  189.1   $  148.8   $ 1,409.2
Other operating revenue                   430.9         43.2      284.0       39.0       797.1
                                      ---------    ---------   --------   --------   ---------
   Total operating revenue (2)            404.0      1,141.4      473.1      187.8     2,206.3
                                      ---------    ---------   --------   --------   ---------
Interest credited to policyholder
   account balances                          --        823.4       78.5      114.7     1,016.6
Amortization of deferred policy
   acquisition costs                       87.8         39.8       39.6         --       167.2
Other benefits and expenses               165.3        108.7      284.1       45.6       603.7
                                      ---------    ---------   --------   --------   ---------
   Total expenses                         253.1        971.9      402.2      160.3     1,787.5
                                      ---------    ---------   --------   --------   ---------
Operating income before federal
    income tax                            150.9        169.5       70.9       27.5       418.8
Realized gains on investments                --           --         --       11.1        11.1
                                      ---------    ---------   --------   --------   ---------
Consolidated income before
   federal tax expense                $   150.9    $   169.5   $   70.9   $   38.6   $   429.9
                                      =========    =========   ========   ========   =========

Assets as of year end                 $35,278.7    $14,436.3   $3,901.4   $6,174.3   $59,790.7
                                      =========    =========   ========   ========   =========
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   26

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 Variable         Fixed            Life         Corporate
         (in millions of dollars)               Annuities       Annuities       Insurance       and Other        Total
         ------------------------------------   ----------      ----------      ---------       ---------     ---------
         <S>                                    <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>           <C>
         1996:
         Net investment income (1)              $    (21.5)     $  1,050.6      $   174.0       $   154.7      $ 1,357.8
         Other operating revenue                     306.1            42.0          261.6            25.7          635.4
                                                ----------      ----------      ---------       ---------      ---------
            Total operating revenue (2)              284.6         1,092.6          435.6           180.4        1,993.2
                                                ----------      ----------      ---------       ---------      ---------
         Interest credited to policyholder
            account balances                            --           805.0           70.2           107.1          982.3
         Amortization of deferred policy
            acquisition costs                         57.4            38.6           37.4              --          133.4
         Benefits and expenses                       136.9           113.6          260.8            50.4          561.7
                                                ----------      ----------      ---------       ---------      ---------
            Total expenses                           194.3           957.2          368.4           157.5        1,677.4
                                                ----------      ----------      ---------       ---------      ---------
         Operating income before federal
             income tax                               90.3           135.4           67.2            22.9          315.8
         Realized losses on investments                 --              --             --            (0.3)          (0.3)
                                                ----------      ----------      ---------       ---------      ---------
         Consolidated income from
            continuing operations before
            federal tax expense                 $     90.3      $    135.4       $   67.2        $   22.6      $   315.5
                                                ==========      ==========       ========        ========      =========

         Assets as of year end                  $ 25,069.7      $ 13,994.7       $3,353.3        $5,348.5      $47,766.2
                                                ==========      ==========       ========        ========      =========
</TABLE>

         -----------
         (1)  The Company's method of allocating net investment income results
              in a charge (negative net investment income) to the Variable
              Annuities segment which is recognized in the Corporate and Other
              segment. The charge relates to non-invested assets which support
              this segment on a statutory basis.

         (2)  Excludes realized gains and losses on investments.

         The Company has no significant revenue from customers located outside
         of the United States nor does the Company have any significant
         long-lived assets located outside the United States.


 (14)    Discontinued Operations
         -----------------------

         As discussed in note 1, NFS is a holding company for NLIC and certain
         other companies within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that offer
         or distribute long-term savings and retirement products. Prior to the
         contribution by Nationwide Corp. of the outstanding common stock of
         NLIC to NFS, NLIC effected certain transactions with respect to certain
         subsidiaries and lines of business that were unrelated to long-term
         savings and retirement products.

         On September 24, 1996, NLIC's Board of Directors declared a dividend
         payable to Nationwide Corp. on January 1, 1997 consisting of the
         outstanding shares of common stock of three subsidiaries: ELICW, NCC
         and WCLIC. ELICW writes group accident and health and group life
         insurance business and maintains it offices in Wausau, Wisconsin. NCC
         is a property and casualty company with offices in Scottsdale, Arizona
         that serves as a fronting company for a property and casualty
         subsidiary of NMIC. WCLIC writes high dollar term life insurance
         policies and is located in San Francisco, California. ELICW, NCC and
         WCLIC have been accounted for as discontinued operations in the
         accompanying consolidated financial statements through December 31,
         1996. The Company did not recognize any gain or loss on the disposal of
         these subsidiaries.





<PAGE>   27

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



         Also, during 1996, NLIC entered into two reinsurance agreements whereby
         all of NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business was
         ceded to ELICW and NMIC, effective January 1, 1996. See note 10 for a
         complete discussion of the reinsurance agreements. The Company has
         discontinued its accident and health and group life insurance business
         and in connection therewith has entered into reinsurance agreements to
         cede all existing and any future writings to other affiliated
         companies. NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business
         is accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
         The Company did not recognize any gain or loss on the disposal of the
         accident and health and group life insurance business. The assets,
         liabilities, results of operations and activities of discontinued
         operations are distinguished physically, operationally and for
         financial reporting purposes from the remaining assets, liabilities,
         results of operations and activities of the Company.

         A summary of the results of operations of discontinued operations for
         the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             (in millions of dollars)                                                1998           1997          1996
                                                                                     ----           ----          ----
             <S>                                                                    <C>            <C>
             Revenues                                                               $   --         $   --       $  668.9
             Net income                                                             $   --         $   --       $   11.3
</TABLE>

         A summary of the assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as
         of December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             (in millions of dollars)                                                1998           1997          1996
                                                                                     ----           ----          ----
             <S>                                                                    <C>            <C>          <C>
             Assets, consisting primarily of investments                            $221.5         $247.3       $3,288.5
             Liabilities, consisting primarily of policy benefits and claims        $221.5         $247.3       $2,802.8
</TABLE>






<PAGE>   49

PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Item 24.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

<S>                                                                              <C>
              (a) Financial Statements:
                  (1) Financial statements included                                 PAGE
                      in Prospectus
                      (Part A):
                      Condensed Financial Information.                                12
                  (2) Financial statements included
                      in Part B:
                      Those financial statements required by Item 23 to be
                      included in Part B have been incorporated therein by
                      reference to the Prospectus (Part A).

              Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account:
                      Independent Auditors' Report.                                   47
                      Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Contract
                      Owners' Equity as of December 31, 1998.                         48
                      Statements of Operations and Changes in
                      Contract Owners' Equity for the years ended
                      December 31, 1998 and 1997.                                     50
                      Notes to Financial Statements.                                  56

              Nationwide Life Insurance Company and subsidiaries:
                      Independent Auditors' Report.                                   61
                      Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December
                      31, 1998 and 1997.                                              62
                      Consolidated Statements of Income for the
                      years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and
                      1996.                                                           63
                      Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's
                      Equity for the years ended December 31,
                      1998, 1997 and 1996.                                            64
                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for
                      the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997
                      and 1996.                                                       65
                      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.                     66


</TABLE>



                                    88 of 109

<PAGE>   50



              (b) Exhibits Item 24.

                        (1)  Resolution of the Depositor's Board of Directors
                             authorizing the establishment of the Registrant -
                             Filed previously with the Registration Statement,
                             and hereby incorporated by reference.
                        (2)  Not Applicable
                        (3)  Underwriting or Distribution of contracts between
                             the Registrant and Principal Underwriter - Filed
                             previously with the Registration Statement, and
                             hereby incorporated by reference.
                        (4)  The form of the variable annuity contract Filed
                             previously with the Registration Statement, and
                             hereby incorporated by reference.
                        (5)  Variable Annuity Application -Filed previously with
                             the Registration Statement, and hereby incorporated
                             by reference.
                        (6)  Articles of Incorporation of Depositor Filed
                             previously with the Registration Statement, and
                             hereby incorporated by reference.
                        (7)  Not Applicable
                        (8)  Not Applicable
                        (9)  Opinion of Counsel - Filed previously with the
                             Registration Statement, and hereby incorporated by
                             reference.
                       (10)  Not Applicable
                       (11)  Not Applicable
                       (12)  Not Applicable
                       (13)  Performance Advertising Calculation Schedule -
                             Filed previously with Post-Effective Amendment No.
                             9 to the Registration Statement, and hereby
                             incorporated by reference.


                                    89 of 109

<PAGE>   51

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Item 25.  DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>
               NAME AND PRINCIPAL                             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                BUSINESS ADDRESS                                 WITH DEPOSITOR
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Lewis J. Alphin                                        Director
              519 Bethel Church Road
              Mount Olive, NC  28365
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              A. I. Bell                                             Director
              4121 North River Road West
              Zanesville, OH  43701
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Kenneth D. Davis                                       Director
              7229 Woodmansee Road
              Leesburg, OH  45135
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Keith W. Eckel                                         Director
              1647 Falls Road
              Clarks Summit, PA 18411
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Willard J. Engel                                       Director
              300 East Marshall Street
              Marshall, MN  56258
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Fred C. Finney                                         Director
              1558 West Moreland Road
              Wooster, OH  44691
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Joseph J. Gasper                         President and Chief Operating Officer
              One Nationwide Plaza                                 and Director
              Columbus, OH  43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Dimon R. McFerson                        Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
              One Nationwide Plaza                                 and Director
                                                                Columbus, OH  43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              David O. Miller                           Chairman of the Board and Director
              115 Sprague Drive
              Hebron, OH  43025
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Yvonne L. Montgomery                                   Director
              2859 Paces Ferry Road
              Atlanta, GA  30339
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Ralph M. Paige, Executive Director                     Director
              Federation of Southern
              Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund
              2769 Church Street
              East Point, GA  30344
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              James F. Patterson                                     Director
              8765 Mulberry Road
              Chesterland, OH  44026
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Arden L. Shisler                                       Director
              1356 North Wenger Road
              Dalton, OH  44618
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Robert L. Stewart                                      Director
              88740 Fairview Road
              Jewett, OH  43986

</TABLE>

                                    90 of 109

<PAGE>   52

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>
                  NAME AND PRINCIPAL                        POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                   BUSINESS ADDRESS                            WITH DEPOSITOR
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Nancy C. Thomas                                   Director
                 1733A Westwood Avenue
                 Alliance, OH  44601
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Richard D. Headley                    Executive Vice President - Chief
                 One Nationwide Plaza                   Information Technology Officer
                 Columbus, OH  43215
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Robert A. Oakley                          Executive Vice President-
                 One Nationwide Plaza                       Chief Financial Officer
                 Columbus, OH  43215
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Robert J. Woodward Jr.                    Executive Vice President
                 One Nationwide Plaza                      Chief Investment Officer
                 Columbus, OH  43215
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 James E. Brock                       Senior Vice President - Corporate
                 One Nationwide Plaza                             Development
                 Columbus, OH  43215
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Charles A. Bryan                    Senior Vice President - Chief Actuary  One
                 Nationwide Plaza                              Property and Casualty
                 Columbus, OH  43215
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 John R. Cook, Jr.                         Senior Vice President -
                 One Nationwide Plaza                    Chief Communications Officer
                 Columbus, OH  43215
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Thomas L. Crumrine                          Senior Vice President
                 One Nationwide Plaza
                 Columbus, OH  43215
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 David A. Diamond                      Senior Vice President - Corporate
                 One Nationwide Plaza                             Controller
                 Columbus, OH  43215
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Phillip C. Gath                           Senior Vice President -
                 One Nationwide Plaza                           Chief Actuary
                 Columbus, OH  43215
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Patricia R. Hatler                       Senior Vice President and
                 One Nationwide Plaza                           General Counsel
                 Columbus, OH  43215
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 David K. Hollingsworth                Senior Vice President - Marketing
                 One Nationwide Plaza
                 Columbus, OH  43215
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 David R. Jahn                              Senior Vice President -
                 One Nationwide Plaza                        Commercial Insurance
                 Columbus, OH  43215
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Donna A. James                            Senior Vice President -
                 One Nationwide Plaza                    Chief Human Resources Officer
                 Columbus, OH  43215
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Richard A. Karas                       Senior Vice President - Sales -
                 One Nationwide Plaza                         Financial Services
                 Columbus, OH  43215

</TABLE>

                                   91 of 109
<PAGE>   53

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                NAME AND PRINCIPAL                      POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                 BUSINESS ADDRESS                          WITH DEPOSITOR
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>
               Edwin P. McCausland, Jr.                Senior Vice President -
               One Nationwide Plaza                     Fixed Income Securities
               Columbus, OH  43215
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Douglas C. Robinette                 Senior Vice President- Finance
               One Nationwide Plaza
               Columbus, OH  43215
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               James A. Taylor                         Senior Vice President -
               One Nationwide Plaza                 Property and Casualty Insurance
               Columbus, OH  43215
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Mark R. Thresher                    Senior Vice President - Finance
               One Nationwide Plaza
               Columbus, OH  43215
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Richard M. Waggoner                     Senior Vice President -
               One Nationwide Plaza                         Shared Services
               Columbus, OH  43215
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Susan A. Wolken                         Senior Vice President -
               One Nationwide Plaza                Product Management and Marketing
               Columbus, OH  43215
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Bruce C. Barnes                        Vice President - Technology
               One Nationwide Plaza                      Strategy and Planning
               Columbus, OH  43215
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Dennis W. Click                        Vice President - Secretary
               One Nationwide Plaza
               Columbus,  OH 43215
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Matthew S. Easley                           Vice President -
               One Nationwide Plaza                    Investment Life Actuarial
               Columbus, OH  43215
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               R. Dennis Noice                         Vice President - Systems
               One Nationwide Plaza
               Columbus, OH  43215
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Joseph P. Rath                       Senior Vice President - Product
               One Nationwide Plaza                      and Market Compliance
               Columbus, OH  43215
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>


Item 26. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE DEPOSITOR OR
         REGISTRANT.

         *    Subsidiaries for which separate financial statements are filed
         **   Subsidiaries included in the respective consolidated financial
              statements
         ***  Subsidiaries included in the respective group financial statements
              filed for unconsolidated subsidiaries
         **** other subsidiaries


                                   92 of 109


<PAGE>   54

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                    STATE/COUNTR       (SEE ATTACHED
                                                         OF            CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                     ORGANIZATION         OTHERWISE      PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
<S>                                           <C>                    <C>             <C>
         Affiliate Agency, Inc.                       Delaware                         Life Insurance Agency
         Affiliate Agency of Ohio, Inc.                 Ohio                           Life Insurance Agency
         Allnations, Inc.                               Ohio                           Promotes cooperative insurance
                                                                                       corporations worldwide
         American Marine Underwriters,                Florida                          Underwriting Manager
         Inc.
         Auto Direkt Insurance Company                Germany                          Insurance Company
         The Beak and Wire Corporation                  Ohio                           Radio Tower Joint Venture
         California Cash Management                  California                        Inactive
         Company
         Colonial County Mutual                        Texas                           Insurance Company
         Insurance Company
         Colonial Insurance Company of               Wisconsin                         Insurance Company
         Wisconsin
         Columbus Insurance Brokerage                 Germany                          Insurance Broker
         and Service GMBH
         Companies Agency, Inc.                      Wisconsin                         Insurance Broker
         Companies Agency Insurance                  California                        Insurance  Broker
         Services of California
         Companies Agency of Alabama,                 Alabama                          Insurance Broker
         Inc.
         Companies Agency of Georgia,                 Georgia                          Insurance Broker
         Inc.
         Companies Agency of Idaho, Inc.               Idaho                           Insurance Broker
         Companies Agency of Kentucky,                Kentucky                         Insurance Broker
         Inc.
         Companies Agency of                       Massachusetts                       Insurance Broker
         Massachusetts, Inc.
         Companies Agency of New York,                New York                         Insurance Broker
         Inc.
         Companies Agency of                        Pennsylvania                       Insurance Broker
         Pennsylvania, Inc.
         Companies Agency of Phoenix,                 Arizona                          Insurance Broker
         Inc.
         Companies Agency of Texas, Inc.               Texas                           Local Recording Agent (P&C)
         Companies Annuity Agency of                   Texas                           Group and Variable Contract Agent
         Texas, Inc.
         Cooperative Service Company                  Nebraska                         Insurance Agency
         Countrywide Services                         Delaware                         Products Liability, Investigative and Claims
         Corporation                                                                   Management Services
         EMPLOYERS INSURANCE OF                      Wisconsin                         Mutual Insurance Company
         WAUSAU A Mutual Company
</TABLE>

                                    93 of 109
<PAGE>   55

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                   STATE/COUNTRY       (SEE ATTACHED
                                                        OF             CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                    ORGANIZATION          OTHERWISE       PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
<S>                                              <C>                 <C>              <C>
     **  Employers Life Insurance Company of         Wisconsin                         Life Insurance Company
         Wausau
         F & B, Inc.                                    Iowa                           Insurance Agency
         Farmland Mutual Insurance Company              Iowa                           Mutual Insurance Company
         Financial Horizons Distributors              Alabama                          Life Insurance Agency
         Agency of Alabama, Inc.
         Financial Horizons Distributors                Ohio                           Life Insurance Agency
         Agency of Ohio, Inc.
         Financial Horizons Distributors              Oklahoma                         Life Insurance Agency
         Agency of Oklahoma, Inc.
         Financial Horizons Distributors               Texas                           Life Insurance Agency
         Agency of Texas, Inc.
      *  Financial Horizons Investment Trust        Massachusetts                      Investment Company
         Financial Horizons Securities                Oklahoma                         Broker Dealer
         Corporation
         Gates, McDonald & Company                      Ohio                           Cost Control Business
         Gates, McDonald & Company of Nevada           Nevada                          Self-Insurance Administration Claims
                                                                                       Examinations and Data Processing Services
         Gates, McDonald & Company of New             New York                         Workers Compensation Claims Administration
         York, Inc.
         Gates McDonald Health Plus, Inc.               Ohio                           Managed Care Organization
         Greater La Crosse Health Plans, Inc.        Wisconsin                         Commercial Health and Medicare Supplement
                                                                                       Insurance
         Insurance Intermediaries, Inc.                 Ohio                           Insurance Broker and Insurance Agency
         Irvin L. Schwartz and Associates, Inc.         Ohio                           Insurance Agency
         Key Health Plan, Inc.                       California                        Pre-paid Health Plans
         Landmark Financial Services of New           New York                         Life Insurance Agency
         York, Inc.
         Leben Direkt Insurance Company               Germany                          Life Insurance Company
         Lone Star General Agency, Inc.                Texas                           Insurance Agency
     **  MRM Investments, Inc.                          Ohio                           Owns and Operates a Recreational Ski Facility
     **  National Casualty Company                   Wisconsin                         Insurance Company
         National Casualty Company of America,     Great Britain                       Insurance Company
         Ltd.
     **  National Premium and Benefit                 Delaware                         Insurance Administrative Services
         Administration Company
     **  Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc.             Ohio                           Registered Broker-Dealer, Investment Manager
                                                                                       and Administrator
</TABLE>

                                   94 of 109
<PAGE>   56

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                   STATE/COUNTRY       (SEE ATTACHED
                                                        OF             CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                    ORGANIZATION          OTHERWISE       PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
<S>                                              <C>                 <C>              <C>
         Nationwide Agency, Inc.                        Ohio                           Insurance Agency
         Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance              Iowa                           Insurance Company
         Company
         Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust         Massachusetts                       Investment Company
         Nationwide Cash Management Company             Ohio                           Investment Securities Agent
         Nationwide Community Urban                     Ohio                           Redevelopment of blighted areas within the
         Redevelopment Corporation                                                     City of Columbus, Ohio
         Nationwide Corporation                         Ohio                           Organized for the purpose of acquiring,
                                                                                       holding, encumbering, transferring, or
                                                                                       otherwise disposing of shares, bonds,
                                                                                       and other evidences of indebtedness,
                                                                                       securities, and contracts of other
                                                                                       persons, associations, corporations,
                                                                                       domestic or foreign and to form or
                                                                                       acquire the control of other
                                                                                       corporations
         Nationwide/Dispatch LLC                        Ohio                           Engaged in related Arena development
                                                                                       Activity
         Nationwide Financial Institution             Delaware                         Insurance Agency
         Distributors Agency, Inc.
         Nationwide Financial Services Capital        Delaware                         Statutory Business Trust
         Trust
         Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.          Delaware                         Organized for the purpose of
                                                                                       acquiring, holding, encumbering,
                                                                                       transferring, or otherwise
                                                                                       disposing of shares, bonds, and
                                                                                       other evidences of indebtedness,
                                                                                       securities, and contracts of other
                                                                                       persons, associations,
                                                                                       corporations, domestic or foreign
                                                                                       and to form or acquire the control
                                                                                       of other corporations
         Nationwide General Insurance Company           Ohio                           Insurance Company
         Nationwide Global Holdings, Inc.               Ohio                           Holding Company for Enterprise International
                                                                                       Operations
         Nationwide Health Plans, Inc.                  Ohio                           Health Maintenance Organization
      *  Nationwide Indemnity Company                   Ohio                           Reinsurance Company
         Nationwide Insurance Enterprise                Ohio                           Membership Non-Profit Corporation
         Foundation
         Nationwide Insurance Enterprise                Ohio                           Performs shares services functions for the
         Services, Ltd.                                                                Enterprise
         Nationwide Insurance Golf Charities,           Ohio                           Membership Non-Profit Corporation
         Inc.

</TABLE>

                                    95 of 109
<PAGE>   57

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                   STATE/COUNTRY       (SEE ATTACHED
                                                        OF             CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                    ORGANIZATION          OTHERWISE       PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
<S>                                              <C>                 <C>              <C>
         Nationwide Mutual Funds                        Ohio                           Investment Company
         Nationwide Investment Services               Oklahoma                         Registered Broker-Dealer in Deferred
         Corporation                                                                   Compensation Market
         Nationwide Investors Services, Inc.            Ohio                           Stock Transfer Agent
     **  Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance          Ohio                           Life Insurance Company
         Company
     **  Nationwide Life Insurance Company              Ohio                           Life Insurance Company
         Nationwide Lloyds                             Texas                           Texas Lloyds Company
         Nationwide  Management Systems, Inc.           Ohio                           Offers Preferred Provider Organization
                                                                                       and Other Related Products and Services
         Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance               Ohio                           Mutual Insurance Company
         Company
         Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company            Ohio                           Mutual Insurance Company
         Nationwide Properties, Ltd.                    Ohio                           Develops, owns and operates real
                                                                                       estate and real estate investments
         Nationwide Property and Casualty               Ohio                           Insurance Company
         Insurance Company
         Nationwide Realty Investors, Ltd.              Ohio                           Develops, owns and operates real
                                                                                       estate and real estate investments
      *  Nationwide Separate Account Trust         Massachusetts                       Investment Company
         Nationwide Trust Company, FSB             United States                       Federal Savings Bank
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services,          Delaware                         Life Insurance Agency
         Inc.
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Alabama                          Life Insurance Agency
         Alabama, Inc.
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Arizona                          Life Insurance Agency
         Arizona, Inc.
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Montana                          Life Insurance Agency
         Montana, Inc.
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of         Nevada                          Life Insurance Agency
         Nevada, Inc.
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of          Ohio                           Life Insurance Agency
         Ohio, Inc.
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Oklahoma                         Life Insurance Agency
         Oklahoma, Inc.
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of         Texas                           Life Insurance Agency
         Texas, Inc.
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Wyoming                          Life Insurance Agency
         Wyoming, Inc.
         NEA Valuebuilder Services Insurance       Massachusetts                       Life Insurance Agency
         Agency, Inc.
         Neckura General Insurance Company            Germany                          Insurance Company

</TABLE>

                                   96 of 109
<PAGE>   58

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                   STATE/COUNTRY       (SEE ATTACHED
                                                        OF             CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                    ORGANIZATION          OTHERWISE       PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
<S>                                              <C>                 <C>              <C>
         Neckura Holding Company                      Germany                          Administrative Service for Neckura Insurance
                                                                                       Group
         Neckura Insurance Company                    Germany                          Insurance Company
         Neckura Life Insurance Company               Germany                          Life Insurance Company
         NWE, Inc.                                      Ohio                           Special Investments
         PEBSCO of Massachusetts Insurance         Massachusetts                       Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         Agency, Inc.                                                                  Plans for Public Employees
         PEBSCO of Texas, Inc.                         Texas                           Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
                                                                                       Plans for Public Employees
         Pension Associates of Wausau, Inc.          Wisconsin                         Pension plan administration, record keeping
                                                                                       and consulting and compensation consulting
         Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation       Wisconsin                         Health Maintenance Organization
         Prevea Health Insurance Plan, Inc.          Wisconsin                         Health Maintenance Organization
         Public Employees Benefit Services            Delaware                         Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         Corporation                                                                   Plans for Public Employees
         Public Employees Benefit Services            Alabama                          Markets and Administers Deferred
         Corporation of Alabama                                                        Compensation Plans for Public Employees
         Public Employees Benefit Services            Arkansas                         Markets and Administers Deferred
         Corporation of Arkansas                                                       Compensation Plans for Public Employees
         Public Employees Benefit Services            Montana                          Markets and Administers Deferred
         Corporation of Montana                                                        Compensation Plans for Public Employees
         Public Employees Benefit Services           New Mexico                        Markets and Administers Deferred
         Corporation of New Mexico                                                     Compensation Plans for Public Employees
         Scottsdale Indemnity Company                   Ohio                           Insurance Company
         Scottsdale Insurance Company                   Ohio                           Insurance Company
         Scottsdale Surplus Lines Insurance           Arizona                          Excess and Surplus Lines Insurance
         Company                                                                       Company
         SVM Sales GmbH, Neckura Insurance            Germany                          Sales support for Neckura Insurance Group
         Group
         TIG Countrywide Insurance Group             California                        Independent Agency Personal Lines
                                                                                       Underwriter
         Wausau (Bermuda) Ltd.                        Bermuda                          Rent-a-captive Reinsurer
         Wausau Business Insurance Company           Wisconsin                         Insurance Company
         Wausau General Insurance Company             Illinois                         Insurance Company

</TABLE>

                                   97 of 109
<PAGE>   59

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                   STATE/COUNTRY       (SEE ATTACHED
                                                        OF             CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                    ORGANIZATION          OTHERWISE       PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
<S>                                              <C>                 <C>              <C>
         Wausau Insurance Company (U.K.)           Great Britain                       Insurance and Reinsurance Company
         Limited
         Wausau International Underwriters           California                        Special Risks, Excess and Surplus Lines
                                                                                       Insurance Underwriting Manager
     **  Wausau Preferred Health Insurance           Wisconsin                         Insurance and Reinsurance Company
         Company
         Wausau Service Corporation                  Wisconsin                         Holding Company
         Wausau Underwriters Insurance Company       Wisconsin                         Insurance Company

</TABLE>

                                   98 of 109
<PAGE>   60

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                NO. VOTING SECURITIES
                                             STATE/COUNTRY   (SEE ATTACHED CHART) UNLESS
                                                  OF            OTHERWISE INDICATED
                    COMPANY                  ORGANIZATION                                         PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
<S>                                        <C>             <C>                              <C>
  *  MFS Variable Account                        Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                              Account
  *  NACo Variable Account                       Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                              Account
  *  Nationwide DC Variable Account              Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                              Account
     Nationwide DCVA-II                          Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                              Account
  *  Separate Account No. 1                      Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                              Account
  *  Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account      Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                              Account
  *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-A            Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                              Separate Account
  *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-B            Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                              Separate Account
  *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-C            Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                              Separate Account
     Nationwide VA Separate Account-Q            Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                              Separate Account
  *  Nationwide Variable Account                 Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                              Account
  *  Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account      Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                              Account
  *  Nationwide Variable Account-3               Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                              Account
  *  Nationwide Variable Account-4               Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                              Account
  *  Nationwide Variable Account-5               Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                              Account
  *  Nationwide Fidelity Advisor Variable        Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
     Account                                                  Account
  *  Nationwide Variable Account-6               Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                              Account
     Nationwide Variable Account-8               Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                              Account
  *  Nationwide Variable Account-9               Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                              Account
  *  Nationwide VL Separate                      Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
     Account-A                                                Separate Account
     Nationwide VL Separate                      Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
     Account-B                                                Separate Account
  *  Nationwide VL Separate                      Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
     Account-C                                                Separate Account
     Nationwide VL Separate Account-D            Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
                                                              Separate Account
</TABLE>

                                   99 of 109

<PAGE>   61

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                NO. VOTING SECURITIES
                                             STATE/COUNTRY   (SEE ATTACHED CHART) UNLESS
                                                  OF            OTHERWISE INDICATED
                    COMPANY                  ORGANIZATION                                         PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
<S>                                           <C>            <C>                           <C>
      *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account        Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
                                                             Account
      *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2      Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance
                                                             Account                         Policies
      *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3      Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
                                                             Account
      *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-4      Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
                                                             Account
         Nationwide VLI Separate Account-5      Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
                                                             Account

</TABLE>

                                   100 of 109

<PAGE>   62
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                         (left side)
<S>                               <C>                               <C>                                  <C>
- ------------------------
| NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |
| GOLF CHARITIES, INC. |
|                      |
|      MEMBERSHIP      |
|      NONPROFIT       |
|     CORPORATION      |
- ------------------------
           -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           |                                      |                                   |
- ---------------------------           ---------------------------       ----------------------------
|      ALLIED LIFE        |           |         ALLIED          |       |       AID FINANCE        |
|       FINANCIAL         |           |       GROUP, INC.       |       |      SERVICES, INC.      |
|      CORPORATION        |           |          (AGI)          |       |      (AID FINANCE)       |
|        (ALFC)           |           |                         |       |                          |
|Common Stock: 850        |           |Common Stock: 850 Shares |       |Common Stock: 10,000      |
|------------  Shares     |           |------------             |       |------------  Shares      |
|                         |---|       |                         |---|   |                          |
|              Cost       |   |       |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |
|              ----       |   |       |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |
|Casualty-                |   |       |Casualty-                |   |   |Casualty-                 |
|100%         $47,286,429 |   |       |100%       $1,049,237,226|   |   |100%          $19,545,634 |
- ---------------------------   |       ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------
                              |                                     |                 |
- ---------------------------   |       ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------
|    ALLIED GROUP         |   |       |           AMCO          |   |   |          ALLIED          |
|  MERCHANT BANKING       |   |       |    INSURANCE COMPANY    |   |   |      GROUP INSURANCE     |
|    CORPORATION          |   |       |          (AMCO)         |   |   |     MARKETING COMPANY    |
|Common Stock: 10,000     |   |       |Common Stock: 155,991    |   |   |Common Stock: 20,000      |
|------------  Shares     |   |       |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares      |
|                         |---|  |----|                         |---|   |                          |
|              Cost       |   |  |    |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |
|              ----       |   |  |    |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |
|                         |   |  |    |                         |   |   |Aid Finance-              |
|AFLC-100%     $100,000   |   |  |    |AGI-100%      $95,925,450|   |   |100%          $16,059,469 |
- ---------------------------   |  |    ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------
                              |  |                                  |
- ---------------------------   |  |    ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------
|      ALLIED LIFE        |   |  |    |          WESTERN        |   |   |         DEPOSITORS       |
|       BROKERAGE         |   |  |    |    HERITAGE INSURANCE   |   |   |     INSURANCE COMPANY    |
|      AGENCY, INC.       |   |  |    |         COMPANY         |   |   |       (DEPOSITORS)       |
|Common Stock: 500,000    |   |  |    |Common Stock: 4,776,076  |   |   |Common Stock: 199,991     |
|------------  Shares     |   |  |    |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares      |
|                         |---|  |----|                         |   |---|                          |
|              Cost       |   |  |    |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |
|              ----       |   |  |    |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |
|AFLC-100%     $442,695   |   |  |    |AMCO-100%     $11,686,037|   |   |AGI-100%      $15,251,842 |
- ---------------------------   |  |    ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------
                              |  |                                  |
- ---------------------------   |  |    ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------
|     ALLIED LIFE         |   |  |    |          ALLIED         |   |   |      ALLIED PROPERTY     |
|      INSURANCE          |   |  |    |      GENERAL AGENCY     |   |   |        AND CASUALTY      |
|       COMPANY           |   |  |    |         COMPANY         |   |   |     INSURANCE COMPANY    |
|Common Stock: 250,000    |   |  |    |Common Stock: 5,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 156,822     |
|------------  Shares     |   |  |    |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares      |
|                         |---|  |----|                         |   |---|                          |
|              Cost       |           |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |
|              ----       |           |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |
|AFLC-100%     $41,732,343|           |AMCO-100%     $135,342   |   |   |AGI-100%      $33,018,634 |
- ---------------------------           ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------
                                                                    |
                                      ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------
                                      |          PREMIER        |   |   |          ALLIED          |
                                      |          AGENCY,        |   |   |      GROUP MORTGAGE      |
                                      |            INC.         |   |   |         COMPANY          |
                                      |Common Stock: 100,000    |   |   |Common Stock: 9,500       |
                                      |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares      |
                                      |                         |---|---|                          |
                                      |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |
                                      |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |
                                      |AGI-100%      $100,000   |   |   |AGI-100%      $213,976    |
                                      ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------
                                                                    |
                                                                    |   ----------------------------
                                                                    |   |          MIDWEST         |
                                                                    |   |    PRINTING SERVICES     |
                                                                    |   |            LTD.          |
                                                                    |   |Common Stock: 10,000      |
                                                                    |   |------------  Shares      |
                                                                    |---|                          |
                                                                        |              Cost        |
                                                                        |              ----        |
                                                                        |AFLC-100%    $610,000    |
                                                                        ----------------------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   63
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                                  (middle)
<S>                                               <C>                                               <C>
  ------------------------------------------                            ------------------------------------------
  |                                        |                            |                                        |
  |           NATIONWIDE MUTUAL            |                            |          NATIONWIDE MUTUAL             |
  |           INSURANCE COMPANY            |============================|        FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY          |
  |              (CASUALTY)                |                            |               (FIRE)                   |
  |                                        |                            |                                        |
  ------------------------------------------                            ------------------------------------------
  |  ||               |                                                                               |
  |  ||               |--------------------------------------------------------------------|          |--------------------------
- --|  ||                                                                                    |
     ||                                          |--------------------------------------------------------------|----------------
     ||                                          |                                                              |
     ||  --------------------------------        |   --------------------------------            --------------------------------
     ||  |                              |        |   |     NATIONWIDE GENERAL       |            |       NECKURA HOLDING        |
     ||  |                              |        |   |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |            |      COMPANY (NECKURA)       |
     ||  |      NATIONWIDE LLOYDS       |        |   |                              |            |                              |
     ||  |                              |        |   |Common Stock:    20,000       |            |Common Stock:    10,000       |
     ||==|                              |        |---|------------     Shares       |         |--|------------     Shares       |
     ||  |       A TEXAS LLOYDS         |        |   |                              |         |  |                              |
     ||  |                              |        |   |                 Cost         |         |  |                 Cost         |
     ||  |                              |        |   |                 ----         |         |  |                 ----         |
     ||  |                              |        |   |Casualty-100%    $5,944,422   |         |  |Casualty-100%    $87,943,140  |
     ||  --------------------------------        |   --------------------------------         |  --------------------------------
     ||                                          |                                            |
     ||  --------------------------------        |   --------------------------------         |  --------------------------------
     ||  |       FARMLAND MUTUAL        |        |   |      NATIONWIDE PROPERTY     |         |  |           NECKURA            |
     ||  |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |        |   |         AND CASUALTY         |         |  |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
     ||  |Guaranty Fund                 |        |   |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |         |  |                              |
     ||  |------------                  |        |   |Common Stock:    60,000       |         |--|Common Stock:    6,000        |
     ||==|Certificate                   |---|    |---|------------     Shares       |         |  |------------     Shares       |
         |-----------      Cost         |   |    |   |                 Cost         |         |  |                 Cost         |
         |                 ----         |   |    |   |                 ----         |         |  |Neckura-         ----         |
         |Casualty         $500,000     |   |    |   |Casualty-100%    $6,000,000   |         |  |100%             DM 6,000,000 |
         --------------------------------   |    |   --------------------------------         |  --------------------------------
                                            |    |                                            |
         --------------------------------   |    |   --------------------------------         |  --------------------------------
         |        F & B, INC.           |   |    |   |      COLONIAL INSURANCE      |         |  |         NECKURA LIFE         |
         |                              |   |    |   |     COMPANY OF WISCONSIN     |         |  |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
         |Common Stock:    1 Share      |   |    |   |          (COLONIAL)          |         |  |                              |
         |------------                  |----    |---|Common Stock:    1,750        |         |--|Common Stock:   4,000         |
         |                 Cost         |   |    |   |------------     Shares       |         |  |------------    Shares        |
         |                 ----         |   |    |   |                 Cost         |         |  |                Cost          |
         |Farmland                      |   |    |   |                 ----         |         |  |                ----          |
         |Mutual-100%      $10          |   |    |   |Casualty-100%    $41,750,000  |         |  |Neckura-100%    DM 15,825,681 |
         --------------------------------   |    |   --------------------------------         |  --------------------------------
                                            |    |                                            |
         --------------------------------   |    |   --------------------------------         |  --------------------------------
         |    COOPERATIVE SERVICE       |   |    |   |         SCOTTSDALE           |         |  |        NECKURA GENERAL       |
         |          COMPANY             |   |    |   |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |         |  |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
         |Common Stock:    600 Shares   |   |    |   |            (SIC)             |         |  |                              |
         |------------                  |   |    |   |Common Stock:    30,136       |         |  |Common Stock:    1,500        |
         |                 Cost         |----    |---|------------     Shares       | ----    |--|------------     Shares       |
         |                 ----         |        |   |                 Cost         |    |    |  |                 Cost         |
         |Farmland         $3,506,173   |        |   |                 ----         |    |    |  |                 ----         |
         |Mutual-100%                   |        |   |Casualty-100%    $150,000,000 |    |    |  |Neckura-100%     DM 1,656,925 |
         --------------------------------        |   --------------------------------    |    |  --------------------------------
                                                 |                                       |    |
         --------------------------------        |   --------------------------------    |    |  --------------------------------
         | NATIONWIDE AGRIBUSINESS      |        |   |          SCOTTSDALE          |    |    |  |       COLUMBUS INSURANCE     |
         |    INSURANCE COMPANY         |        |   |        SURPLUS LINES         |    |    |  |      BROKERAGE AND SERVICE   |
         |Common Stock:    1,000,000    |        |   |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |    |    |  |              GmbH            |
         |------------     Shares       |        |   | Common Stock:    10,000      |    |    |  |Common Stock:    1 Share      |
         |                              |--------|   | ------------     Shares      | ---|    |--|------------                  |
         |                    Cost      |        |   |                              |    |    |  |                              |
         |Casualty-99.9%      ----      |        |   |                   Cost       |    |    |  |                 Cost         |
         |Other Capital:   $26,714,335  |        |   |                   ----       |    |    |  |                 ----         |
         |-------------                 |        |   | SIC-100%          $6,000,000 |    |    |  |Neckura-100%     DM 51,639    |
         |Casualty-Ptd.    $   713,576  |        |   |                              |    |    |  |                              |
         --------------------------------        |   --------------------------------    |    |  --------------------------------
                                                 |                                       |    |
         --------------------------------        |   --------------------------------    |    |  --------------------------------
         |    NATIONAL CASUALTY         |        |   |      NATIONAL PREMIUM &      |    |    |  |          LEBEN DIREKT        |
         |          COMPANY             |        |   |    BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION    |    |    |  |        INSURANCE COMPANY     |
         |           (NC)               |        |   |           COMPANY            |    |    |  |                              |
         |Common Stock:    100 Shares   |        |   |Common Stock:    10,000       |    |    |  |Common Stock:    4,000 Shares |
         |------------                  |--------|   |------------     Shares       |----|    |--|------------                  |
         |                 Cost         |            |                 Cost         |         |  |                 Cost         |
         |                 ----         |            |                 ----         |         |  |                 ----         |
         |Casualty-100%    $67,442,439  |            |Scottsdale-100%  $10,000      |         |  |Neckura-100%     DM 4,000,000 |
         --------------------------------            --------------------------------         |  --------------------------------
                       |                                                                      |
         --------------------------------            --------------------------------         |  --------------------------------
         |    NCC OF AMERICA, LTD.      |            |         SVM SALES            |         |  |          AUTO DIREKT         |
         |        (INACTIVE)            |            |            GmbH              |         |  |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
         |                              |            |                              |         |  |                              |
         |                              |            |Common Stock:    50 Shares    |         |  |Common Stock:    1500 Shares  |
         |                              |            |------------                  |------------|------------                  |
         |                              |            |                 Cost         |            |                 Cost         |
         |NC-100%                       |            |                 ----         |            |                 ----         |
         |                              |            |Neckura-100%     DM 50,000    |            |Neckura-100%     DM 1,643,149 |
         |                              |            |                              |            |                              |
         |                              |            |                              |            |                              |
         --------------------------------            --------------------------------            --------------------------------

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   64
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                        (right side)
<S>     <C>                                       <C>                                              <C>
                                                                                                            ------------------------
                                                                                                            | NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |
                                                                                                            | ENTERPRISE FOUNDATION|
                                                                                                            |                      |
                                                                                                            |      MEMBERSHIP      |
                                                                                                            |      NONPROFIT       |
                                                                                                            |     CORPORATION      |
                                                                                                            ------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------|
                                                                       |
- ---------------                                                        --------------------------------------------------
              |                                                                                                         |
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------       |
  |                                          |                                           |                      |       |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------       |        ----------------------------------
  |     |         SCOTTSDALE           |     |    |         NATIONWIDE           |       |        |          NATIONWIDE            |
  |     |      INDEMNITY COMPANY       |     |    |      COMMUNITY URBAN         |       |        |          CORPORATION           |
  |     |                              |     |    |       REDEVELOPMENT          |       |        |                                |
  |     |                              |     |    |        CORPORATION           |       |        |Common Stock:    Control:       |
  |     |Common Stock:    50,000       |     |    |Common Stock:    10 Shares    |       |        |------------     -------        |
  |-----|------------     Shares       |     |----|------------                  |       |        |$13,642,432      100%           |
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |       |        |         Shares     Cost        |
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |       |        |         ------     ----        |
  |     |Casualty-100%    $8,800,000   |     |    |Casualty-100%    $1,000       |       |        |Casualty 12,992,922 $751,352,485|
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |       |        |Fire        649,510   24,007,936|
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |       |        |          (See Page 2)          |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------       |        ----------------------------------
  |                                          |                                           |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------       |        ----------------------------------
  |     |         NATIONWIDE           |     |    |          INSURANCE           |       |        |         ALLNATIONS, INC.       |
  |     |      INDEMNITY COMPANY       |     |    |     INTERMEDIARIES, INC.     |       |        |Common Stock:    10,330 Shares  |
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |       |        |-------------    Cost           |
  |-----|Common Stock:    28,000       |     |----|Common Stock:    1,615        |       |--------|                 ----           |
  |     |------------     Shares       |     |    |------------     Shares       |       |        |Casualty-18.6%   $88,320        |
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |       |        |Fire-18.6%       $88,463        |
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |       |        |Preferred Stock  1466 Shares    |
  |     |Casualty-100%    $294,529,000 |     |    |Casualty-100%    $1,615,000   |       |        |---------------  Cost           |
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |       |        |                 ----           |
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |       |        |Casualty-6.8%    $100,000       |
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |       |        |Fire-6.8%        $100,000       |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------       |        ----------------------------------
  |                                          |                                           |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------       |        ----------------------------------
  |     |          LONE STAR           |     |    |       NATIONWIDE CASH        |       |        |      PENSION ASSOCIATES        |
  |     |     GENERAL AGENCY, INC.     |     |    |      MANAGEMENT COMPANY      |       |        |        OF WAUSAU, INC.         |
  |     |                              |     |    |Common Stock:    100 Shares   |       |        |Common Stock:    1,000 Shares   |
  ------|Common Stock:    1,000        |     |----|------------                  |       |--------|-------------                   |
  |     |------------     Shares       |     |    |                 Cost         |       |        |                 Cost           |
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 ----         |       |        |                 ----           |
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |Casualty-90%     $9,000       |       |        |                                |
  |     |Casualty-100%    $5,000,000   |     |    |NW Adv. Serv.     1,000       |       |        |Casualty-100%    $2,839,392     |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------       |        ----------------------------------
  |                   ||                     |                                           |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------       |        ----------------------------------
  |     |   COLONIAL COUNTY MUTUAL     |     |    |    NATIONWIDE INSURANCE      |       |        |       AMERCIAN MARINE          |
  |     |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |     |    |     COMPANY OF FLORIDA       |       |        |      UNDERWRITERS, INC.        |
  |     |                              |     |    |Common Stock:    10,000       |       |        |Common Stock:    20 Shares      |
  |     |Surplus Debentures            |     |    |-------------    Shares       |       |        |-------------                   |
  |     |------------------            |     |----|                              |       |--------|                 Cost           |
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                |                 ----           |
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                |                                |
  |     |Colonial         $500,000     |     |    |Casualty-100%    $300,000,000 |                |Casualty-100%    $5,020         |
  |     |Lone Star         150,000     |     |    |                              |                |                                |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                ----------------------------------
  |                                          |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------
  |     |       TIG COUNTRYWIDE        |     |    |    WAUSAU INTERNATIONAL      |
  |     |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |     |    |        UNDERWRITERS          |
  |     |Common Stock     12,000       |     |    |                              |
  |     |------------     Shares       |     |    |Common Stock:    1,000 Shares |
  |-----|                              |     -----|------------                  |
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |
  |     |Casualty-100%    $215,273,000 |     |    |Casualty-100%    $10,000      |
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |
  |     --------------------------------     |    |                              |
  |                                          |    --------------------------------
  |                                          |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------
  |     |     NATIONWIDE INSURANCE     |     |    |         NATIONWIDE           |
  |     |   ENTERPRISE SERVICES, LTD.  |     |    |          ARENA LLC           |
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |
  |     |Single Member Limited         |     |    |                              |
  |.....|Liability Company             |     |....|                              |
        |                              |          |                              |
        |                              |          |                              |
        |Casualty-100%                 |          |Casualty-90%                  |
        |                              |          |                              |
        --------------------------------          --------------------------------


Subsidiary Companies      -- Solid Line
Contractual Association   -- Double Line
Limited Liability Company -- Dotted Line

December 31, 1998
</TABLE>

                                                                          Page 1
<PAGE>   65






















<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                         (Left Side)

<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                             |----------------------------------|-----------------------------------|-------------------------------
                             |                                  |                                   |
               -----------------------------      -----------------------------      -----------------------------
               | NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE |      |        NATIONWIDE         |      |   NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL    |
               |     COMPANY (NW LIFE)     |      |    FINANCIAL SERVICES     |      | INSTITUTION DISTRIBUTORS  |
               |                           |      |      CAPITAL TRUST        |      |   AGENCY, INC. (NFIDAI)   |
               | Common Stock: 3,814,779   |      | Preferred Stock:          |      | Common Stock:     1,000   |
               | ------------  Shares      |      | ---------------           |      | ------------      Shares  |
               |                           |      |                           |      |                           |
               | NFS--100%                 |      | NFS--100%                 |      | NFS--100%                 |
               ----------------|------------      -----------------------------      ---------------||------------
                               |                                                                    ||
- -----------------------------  |  -----------------------------      -----------------------------  ||  ----------------------------
|    NATIONWIDE LIFE AND    |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |      |     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |  ||  |                          |
| ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY |  |  |  ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.  |      |    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY    |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |      (NW ADV. SERV.)      |      |      OF ALABAMA, INC.     |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 66,000      |  |  | Common Stock: 7,676       |      | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|--| ------------  Shares      |==||  | ------------  Shares      |--||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |       OF OHIO, INC.      |
|               Cost        |  |  |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life -100% $58,070,003 |  |  | NW Life -100% $5,996,261  |  ||  | NFIDAI -100% $100         |  ||  |                          |
- -----------------------------  |  -----------------------------  ||  -----------------------------  ||  ----------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                 ||
- -----------------------------  |  -----------------------------  ||  -----------------------------  ||  ----------------------------
|         NWE, INC.         |  |  |        NATIONWIDE         |  ||  |    LANDMARK FINANCIAL     |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |  INVESTORS SERVICES, INC. |  ||  |        SERVICES OF        |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |       NEW YORK, INC.      |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 100         |  |  | Common Stock: 5 Shares    |  ||  | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  | ------------              |--||  | ------------  Shares      |--||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |     OF OKLAHOMA, INC.    |
|               Cost        |  |  |                     Cost  |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |                     ----  |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life -100% $35,971,375 |  |  | NW Adv. Serv. -100% $5,000|  ||  | NFIDAI -100% $10,100      |  ||  |                          |
- -----------------------------  |  -----------------------------  ||  -----------------------------  ||  ----------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                 ||
- -----------------------------  |  -----------------------------  ||  -----------------------------  ||  ----------------------------
|   NATIONWIDE INVESTMENT   |  |  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |  ||  |     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |  ||  |                          |
|   SERVICES CORPORATION    |  |  |     INVESTMENT TRUST      |  ||  |      SECURITIES CORP.     |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 5,000       |  |  |                           |  ||  | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |--||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |       OF TEXAS, INC.     |
|               Cost        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life -100% $529,728    |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||  | NFIDAI -100% $153,000     |  ||  |                          |
- -----------------------------  |  -----------------------------  ||  -----------------------------  ||  ----------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                 ||
- -----------------------------  |  -----------------------------  ||  -----------------------------  ||  ----------------------------
|     NATIONWIDE REALTY     |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||  |   AFFILIATE AGENCY, INC.  |  ||  |                          |
|      INVESTORS, LTD.      |  |  |         INVESTING         |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |         FOUNDATION        |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
| Units:                    |  |  |                           |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||  |          AFFILIATE       |
| ------                    |..|  |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |--||==|          AGENCY OF       |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |      |          OHIO, INC.      |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |               Cost        |      |                          |
| NW Life -90%              |  |  |                           |  ||  |               ----        |      |                          |
| NW Mutual-10%             |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||  | NFIDAI -100% $100         |      |                          |
- -----------------------------  |  -----------------------------  ||  -----------------------------      ----------------------------
                               |                                 ||
- -----------------------------  |  -----------------------------  ||  -----------------------------
|        NATIONWIDE         |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||  |        NATIONWIDE         |
|       PROPERTIES, LTD.    |  |  |          INVESTING        |  ||  |         INVESTING         |
|                           |  |  |        FOUNDATION II      |  ||  |       FOUNDATION III      |
| Units:                    |..|  |                           |  ||  |                           |
| ------                    |     |                           |==||==|                           |
|                           |     |                           |  ||  |                           |
|                           |     |                           |  ||  |                           |      ----------------------
| NW Life -97.6%            |     |                           |  ||  |                           |      |  MORLEY RESEARCH   |
| NW Mutual -2.4%           |     |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||  |    OHIO BUSINESS TRUST    |      |  ASSOCIATES, LTD.  |
- -----------------------------     -----------------------------  ||  -----------------------------      |                    |
                                                                 ||                                     |Common Stock: 1,000 |
                                  -----------------------------  ||  -----------------------------      |------------- Shares|------
                                  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||  |         NATIONWIDE        |      |              Cost  |
                                  |      SEPARATE ACCOUNT     |  ||  |  ASSET ALLOCATION TRUST   |      |              ----  |
                                  |            TRUST          |  ||  |                           |      |Morley-100%   $1,000|
                                  |                           |  ||  |                           |      ----------------------
                                  |                           |==||==|                           |
                                  |                           |      |                           |
                                  |                           |      |                           |
                                  |                           |      |        MASSACHUSETTS      |
                                  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |      |       BUSINESS TRUST      |
                                  -----------------------------      -----------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   66
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                           (Center)
                                               NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE (R)
<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
- --------------------------------------------------                                --------------------------------------------------
|               NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                |                                |                NATIONWIDE MUTUAL               |
|               INSURANCE COMPANY                |================================|            FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY              |
|                  (CASUALTY)                    |                   |            |                    (FIRE)                      |
- --------------------------------------------------                   |            --------------------------------------------------
                                                                     |
                                                  -----------------------------------------
                                                  |    NATIONWIDE CORPORATION (NW CORP)   |
                                                  |   Common Stock:           Control:    |
                                                  |   ------------            -------     |
                                                  |    13,642,432               100%      |
                                                  |              Shares      Cost         |
                                                  |             ------      ----          |
                                                  |Casualty     12,992,922   $751,352,485 |
                                                  |Fire            649,510     24,007,936 |
                                                  -------------------|---------------------
                                                                     |--------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      ---------------|-------------
                                                      |    NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL   |
                                                      |    SERVICES, INC. (NFS)   |
                                                      |                           |
                                                      |Common Stock:  Control:    |
                                                      |------------   -------     |
                                                      |                           |
                                                      |                           |
                                                      |Class A      Public--100%  |
                                                      |Class B      NW Corp--100% |
                                                      ---------------|-------------
                                                                     |
- -----------------|-------------------------------|-------------------|--------------------------------|-----------------------------
                 |                               |                   |                                |
    -------------|---------------  --------------|--------------     |                 ---------------|-------------
    |     MORLEY FINANCIAL      |  | THE 401(k) COMPANIES, INC.|     |                 |   NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT   |
    |  SERVICES, INC. (MORLEY)  |  |        (401(k))           |     |                 |      SOLUTIONS, INC.      |
    |Common Stock:  82,343      |  |Common Stock:   Control:   |     |                 |Common Stock: 236,494      |
|---|-------------  Shares      |  |-------------   -------    |--|  |                 |------------- Shares       |
|   |                           |  |Class A         Other-100% |  |  |                 |                           |
|   |NFS-100%                   |  |Class B         NFS  -100% |  |  |                 |NRS-100%                   |
|   -----------------------------  -----------------------------  |  |                 ---------------|-------------
|                                                                 |  |                                |
|   -----------------------------  -----------------------------  |  | -----------------------------  |  ---------------------------
|   |         MORLEY &          |  |    401(k) INVESTMENT      |  |  | |   NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT   |  |  |  NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT  |
|   |     ASSOCIATES, INC.      |  |      SERVICES, INC.       |  |  | |    SOLUTIONS, INC. OF     |  |  |  SOLUTIONS, INC. OF NEW |
|   |                           |  |                           |  |  | |        ALABAMA            |  |  |         MEXICO          |
|   |Common Stock: 3,500        |  | Common Stock: 1,000,000   |  |  | | Common Stock: 10,000      |  |  | Common Stock: 1,000     |
|---|------------- Shares       |  | ------------- Shares      |--|  | | ------------- Shares      |--|--| ------------- Shares    |
|   |              Cost         |  |               Cost        |  |  | |               Cost        |  |  |             Cost        |
|   |              ----         |  |               ----        |  |  | |               ----        |  |  |             ----        |
|   |Morley-100%   $1,000       |  |401(k)-100%    $7,800      |  |  | |NRS-100%       $1,000      |  |  |NRS-100%     $1,000      |
|   -----------------------------  -----------------------------  |  | -----------------------------  |  ---------------------------
|                                                                 |  |                                |
|   -----------------------------  -----------------------------  |  | -----------------------------  |  ---------------------------
|   |       MORLEY CAPITAL      |  |    401(k) INVESTMENT      |  |  | |   NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT   |  |  | NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT   |
|   |         MANAGEMENT        |  |      ADVISORS, INC.       |  |  | |    SOLUTIONS, INC. OF     |  |  |  SOLUTIONS, INC. OF     |
|   |                           |  |                           |  |  | |         ARIZONA           |  |  |       SO. DAKOTA        |
|   |Common Stock: 500          |  |Common Stock: 1,000        |  |  | |Common Stock: 1,000        |  |  |Common Stock: 1,000      |
|---|------------- Shares       |  |------------- Shares       |--|  | |------------- Shares       |--|--|------------- Shares     |
|   |              Cost         |  |               Cost        |  |  | |               Cost        |  |  |             Cost        |
|   |              ----         |  |               ----        |  |  | |               ----        |  |  |             ----        |
|   |Morley-100%   $5,000       |  |401(k)-100%    $1,000      |  |  | |NRS-100%       $1,000      |  |  |NRS-100%     $1,000      |
|   -----------------------------  -----------------------------  |  | -----------------------------  |  ---------------------------
|                                                                 |  |                                |
|   -----------------------------  -----------------------------  |  | -----------------------------  |  ---------------------------
|   |        UNION BOND         |  |     401(k) ICOMPANY       |  |  | |  NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT    |  |  |  NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT  |
|   |      & TRUST COMPANY      |  |                           |  |  | |   SOLUTIONS, INC. OF      |  |  |   SOLUTIONS, INC. OF    |
|   |                           |  |                           |  |  | |         ARKANSAS          |  |  |         WYOMING         |
|   |Common Stock: 2,000        |  |Common Stock: 855,000      |  |  | |Common Stock: 50,000       |  |  |Common Stock: 500        |
|---|------------- Shares       |  |------------- Shares       |--|  | |------------- Shares       |--|--|------------- Shares     |
|   |              Cost         |  |              Cost         |     | |              Cost         |  |  |              Cost       |
|   |              ----         |  |              ----         |     | |              ----         |  |  |              ----       |
|   |Morley-100%   $50,000      |  |401(k)-100%   $1,000       |     | |NRS-100%      $500         |  |  |NRS-100%      $500       |
|   -----------------------------  -----------------------------     | -----------------------------  |  ---------------------------
|                                                                    |                                |
|   -----------------------------  -----------------------------     | -----------------------------  |  ---------------------------
|   |    PORTLAND INVESTMENT    |  |     NATIONWIDE TRUST      |     | |   NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT   |  |  |  NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT  |
|   |      SERVICES, INC.       |  |       COMPANY, FSB        |     | |  SOLUTIONS, INS. AGENCY,  |  |  |   SOLUTIONS, INC. OF    |
|   |                           |  |                           |     | |            INC.           |  |  |           OHIO          |
|   |Common Stock: 1,000        |  |Common Stock: 2,800,000    |     | |Common Stock: 1,000        |  |  |                         |
|---|------------- Shares       |  |------------- Shares       |-----| |------------- Shares       |--|==|                         |
|   |              Cost         |  |              Cost         |     | |              Cost         |  |  |                         |
|   |              ----         |  |              ----         |     | |              ----         |  |  |                         |
|   |Morley-100%   $25,000      |  |NFS-100%      $3,500,000   |     | |NRS -100%     $1,000       |  |  |                         |
|   -----------------------------  -----------------------------     | -----------------------------  |  ---------------------------
|                                                                    |                                |
|   -----------------------------  -----------------------------     | ----------------------------   |  ---------------------------
|   |     EXCALIBER FUNDING     |  |   NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL    |     | |   NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT   |  |  |  NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT  |
|   |       CORPORATION         |  | SERVICES CAPITAL TRUST II |     | |    SOLUTIONS, INC. OF     |  |  |   SOLUTIONS, INC. OF    |
|   |                           |  |                           |     | |         MONTANA           |  |  |        OKLAHOMA         |
|   |Common Stock: 1,000        |  |                           |     | |Common Stock: 500          |  |  |                         |
|---|------------- Shares       |  |                           |-----| |------------- Shares       |--|==|                         |
|   |              Cost         |  |                           |     | |              Cost         |  |  |                         |
|   |              ----         |  |                           |     | |              ----         |  |  |                         |
|   |Morley-100%   $1,000       |  |NFS-100%                   |     | |NRS-100%      $500         |  |  |                         |
|   -----------------------------  -----------------------------     | -----------------------------  |  ---------------------------
|                                                                    |                                |
|   -----------------------------  -----------------------------     | -----------------------------  |  ---------------------------
|   |     CALIBER FUNDING       |  |   NFS DISTRIBUTORS INC.   |     | |   NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT   |  |  |  NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT  |
|   |      CORPORATION          |  |                           |     | |    SOLUTIONS, INC. OF     |  |  |   SOLUTIONS, INC. OF    |
|   |                           |  |                           |     | |          NEVADA           |  |  |        TEXAS            |
|   |                           |  |                           |     | | Common Stock: 1,000       |  |  |                         |
|---|                           |  |                           |-----| | ------------- Shares      |--|==|                         |
    |                           |  |                           |       |               Cost        |     |                         |
    |                           |  |                           |       |               ----        |     |                         |
    |Morley-100%                |  |NFS-100%                   |       | NRS-100%      $1,000      |     |                         |
    -----------------------------  -----------------------------       -----------------------------     ---------------------------

</TABLE>
<PAGE>   67













<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                            (Right)
<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
- ------------------------------------------------|--------------------|---------------------------------------|
                                                |                    |                                       |
                                                |     ---------------|----------------         --------------|----------------
                                                |     | EMPLOYERS LIFE INSURANCE CO. |         |      GATES MCDONALD         |
                                                |     |       OF WAUSAU (ELIOW)      |         |     & COMPANY (GATES)       |
                                                |     |                              |         |                             |
                                                |     |Common Stock:    250,000      |         |Common Stock:    254         |
                                                |  |--|-------------    Shares       |      |--|-------------    Shares      |
                                                |  |  |                              |      |  |                             |
                                                |  |  |                 Cost         |      |  |                 Cost        |
                                                |  |  |                 ----         |      |  |                 ----        |
                                                |  |  |NW CORP. -100%   $126,509,480 |      |  |NW CORP. -100%   $25,683,532 |
                                                |  |  --------------------------------      |  -------------------------------
- ------------                                    |  |                                        |
           |  --------------------------------  |  |  --------------------------------      |  --------------------------------
           |  |       NATIONWIDE TRUST       |  |  |  |       WAUSAU PREFERRED       |      |  |          HEALTHCARE          |
           |  |           COMPANY            |  |  |  |      HEALTH INSURANCE CO.    |      |  |          FIRST, INC.         |
           |  |                              |  |  |  |                              |      |  |                              |
           |  |Common Stock:    2,800,000    |  |  |  |Common Stock:    200          |      |  |                              |
           |--|-------------    Shares       |  |  |--|-------------    Shares       |      |--|                              |
           |  |                              |  |     |                              |      |  |                              |
           |  |                 Cost         |  |     |                 Cost         |      |  |                 Cost         |
           |  |                 ----         |  |     |                 ----         |      |  |                 ----         |
           |  |NFS-100%         $3,500,000   |  |     |ELIOW -100%      $57,413,193  |      |  |Gates-100%       $6,700,000   |
           |  --------------------------------  |     --------------------------------      |  --------------------------------
           |                                    |                                           |
           |  --------------------------------  |     --------------------------------      |  -------------------------------
           |  |     NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL     |  |     |       NATIONWIDE GLOBAL      |      |  |  GATES MCDONALD & COMPANY  |
           |  |    SERVICES (BERMUDA) INC.   |  |     |      HOLDINGS, INC. (NGH)    |      |  |      OF NEW YORK, INC.      |
           |  |                              |  |     |                              |      |  |                             |
           |  |Common Stock:    250,000      |  |     |Common Stock:    1            |      |  |Common Stock:   3            |
           |--|-------------    Shares       |  |-----|-------------    Share        |      |--|-------------   Shares       |
           |  |                              |  |     |                              |      |  |                             |
           |  |                 Cost         |  |     |                 Cost         |      |  |                 Cost        |
           |  |                 ----         |  |     |                 ----         |      |  |                 ----        |
           |  |NFS-100%         $3,500,000   |  |     |NW CORP.-100%    $7,000,000   |      |  |Gates-100%       $106,947    |
           |  --------------------------------  |     --------------------------------      |  -------------------------------
           |                                    |                    |                      |
           |  --------------------------------  |     --------------------------------      |  -------------------------------
           |  |     NATIONWIDE DEFERRED      |  |     |  NATIONWIDE GLOBAL HOLDINGS  |      |  |   GATES MCDONALD & COMPANY  |
           |  |      COMPENSATION, INC.      |  |     |     -HONG KONG, LIMITED      |      |  |         OF NEVADA           |
           |  |                              |  |     |                              |      |  |                             |
           |  |                              |  |     |Common Stock:    2            |      |  |Common Stock:    40          |
           |--|                              |  |     |-------------    Shares       |      |--|-------------    Shares      |
           |  |                              |  |     |                              |      |  |                             |
           |  |                              |  |     |                              |      |  |                 Cost        |
           |  |                              |  |     |                              |      |  |                 ----        |
           |  |NFS-100%                      |  |     |NGH-100%                      |      |  |Gates-100%       $93,750     |
           |  --------------------------------  |     --------------------------------      |  -------------------------------
           |                                    |                                           |
           |  --------------------------------  |     --------------------------------      |  -------------------------------
           |  |       IRVIN L. SCHWARTZ      |  |     |          NATIONWIDE          |      |  |      GATES McDONALD         |
           |  |      AND ASSOCIATES, INC.    |  |     |    HEALTH PLANS, INC. (NHP)  |      |  |     HEALTH PLUS, INC.       |
           |  |                              |  |     |                              |      |  |                             |
           |  |Common Stock:    Control      |  |     |Common Stock:    100          |      |  |Common Stock:    200         |
           |--|-------------    -------      |  |-----|-------------    Shares       |--|   |--|-------------    Shares      |
              |                              |  |     |                              |  |      |                             |
              |                              |  |     |                 Cost         |  |      |                 Cost        |
              |Class A          Other-100%   |  |     |                 ----         |  |      |                 ----        |
              |Class B          NFS  -100%   |  |     |NW CORP.-100%    $14,603,732  |  |      |Gates-100%       $2,000,000  |
              --------------------------------  |     --------------------------------  |      -------------------------------
                                                |                                       |
              --------------------------------  |     --------------------------------  |
              |     MRM INVESTMENTS, INC.    |  |     |    NATIONWIDE MANAGEMENT     |  |
              |                              |  |     |         SYSTEMS, INC.        |  |
              |                              |  |     |                              |  |
              |Common Stock:    1            |  |     |Common Stock:    100          |  |
              |-------------    Share        |--|     |-------------    Shares       |--|
              |                              |        |                              |  |
              |                 Cost         |        |                 Cost         |  |
              |                 ----         |        |                 ----         |  |
              |NW CORP.-100%    $7,000,000   |        |NHP Inc.-100%    $25,149      |  |
              --------------------------------        --------------------------------  |
                                                                                        |
                                                      --------------------------------  |
                                                      |          NATIONWIDE          |  |
                                                      |         AGENCY, INC.         |  |
                                                      |                              |  |
                                                      |Common Stock:    100          |  |
                                                      |------------     Shares       |--|
                                                      |                              |
                                                      |                 Cost         |
                                                      |                 ----         |
                                                      |NHP Inc.-99%     $116,077     |
                                                      --------------------------------

                                                                                Subsidiary Companies    --   Solid Line

                                                                                Contractual Association  --  Double Line

                                                                                Limited Liability Company -- Dotted Line



                                                                                                         December 31, 1998

                                                                                                                    Page 2
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   68

Item 27.      NUMBER OF CONTRACT OWNERS
              The number of Contract Owners of Qualified and Non-Qualified
              Contracts as of January 31, 1999 was 1,029 and 19 respectively.

Item 28.      INDEMNIFICATION
              Provision is made in Nationwide's Amended and Restated Code of
              Regulations and expressly authorized by the General Corporation
              Law of the State of Ohio, for indemnification by Nationwide of any
              person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party
              to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
              proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
              investigative by reason of the fact that such person is or was a
              director, officer or employee of Nationwide, against expenses,
              including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in
              settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in
              connection with such action, suit or proceeding, to the extent and
              under the circumstances permitted by the General Corporation Law
              of the State of Ohio.

              Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
              Securities Act of 1933 ("Act") may be permitted to directors,
              officers or persons controlling Nationwide pursuant to the
              foregoing provisions, Nationwide has been informed that in the
              opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
              indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
              and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
              indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment
              by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
              officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful
              defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
              director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
              securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the
              opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
              precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
              question whether such indemnification by it is against public
              policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
              adjudication of such issue.

Item 29.      PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

              (a)   Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS") acts as principal
                    underwriter and general distributor for the Nationwide
                    Multi-Flex Variable Account, Nationwide Variable Account-II,
                    Nationwide Variable Account-5, Nationwide Variable
                    Account-6, Nationwide Variable Account-8, Nationwide
                    Variable Account-9, Nationwide Variable Account-10,
                    Nationwide VA Separate Account-A, Nationwide VA Separate
                    Account-B, Nationwide VA Separate Account-C, Nationwide VL
                    Separate Account-A, Nationwide VL Separate Account-B,
                    Nationwide VL Separate Account-C, Nationwide VL Separate
                    Account-D, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2, Nationwide VLI
                    Separate Account-3, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-4,
                    Nationwide VLI Separate Account-5 and Nationwide Variable
                    Account, all of which are separate investment accounts of
                    Nationwide or its affiliates.

                    NAS also acts as principal underwriter for Nationwide Mutual
                    Funds, Nationwide Separate Account Trust, and Nationwide
                    Asset Allocation Trust which are open-end management
                    investment companies.


                                   103 of 109

<PAGE>   69

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


(b)                    NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.
                             DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
NAME AND                                                               POSITIONS AND OFFICES
BUSINESS ADDRESS                                                          WITH UNDERWRITER

<S>                                                    <C>
Joseph J. Gasper                                                       President and Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

Dimon R. McFerson                                                           Chairman and
One Nationwide Plaza                                            Chief Executive Officer and Director
Columbus, OH  43215

Robert A. Oakley                                             Executive Vice President - Chief Financial
One Nationwide Plaza                                                    Officer and Director
Columbus, OH  43215

Paul J. Hondros
One Nationwide Plaza                                                         Director
Columbus, OH 43215

Susan A. Wolken                                                              Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

Robert J. Woodward, Jr.                                     Executive Vice President - Chief Investment
One Nationwide Plaza                                                    Officer and Director
Columbus, OH 43215

Edwin P. Mc Causland, Jr.                                        Senior Vice President-Fixed Income
One Nationwide Plaza                                                         Securities
Columbus, OH 43215

Charles S. Bath
One Nationwide Plaza                                                Vice President - Investments
Columbus, OH  43215

Dennis W. Click                                                     Vice President and Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

William G. Goslee
One Nationwide Plaza                                                       Vice President
Columbus, OH  43215

James F. Laird, Jr.                                                  Vice President and General
One Nationwide Plaza                                                          Manager
Columbus, OH  43215

Joseph P. Rath                                                 Vice President - Office of Product and
One Nationwide Plaza                                                     Market Compliance
Columbus, OH 43215

Alan A. Todryk                                                       Vice President - Taxation
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

Christopher A. Cray                                                          Treasurer
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

</TABLE>

                                   104 of 109

<PAGE>   70



                       NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.
                       DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS (CONTINUED)

NAME AND                                                 POSITIONS AND OFFICES
BUSINESS ADDRESS                                            WITH UNDERWRITER

Elizabeth A. Davin                                        Assistant Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
David E. Simaitis                                         Assistant Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
Patricia J. Smith                                         Assistant Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215


    (c)NAME OF    NET UNDERWRITING   COMPENSATION ON
     PRINCIPAL      DISCOUNTS AND      REDEMPTION OR   BROKERAGE
    UNDERWRITER     COMMISSIONS        ANNUITIZATION   COMMISSIONS  COMPENSATION
    Nationwide          N/A                 N/A            N/A            N/A
     Advisory
     Services,
       Inc.

                                   105 of 109

<PAGE>   71


Item 30.      LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

              John Davis
              Nationwide Life Insurance Company
              One Nationwide Plaza
              Columbus, OH  43215

Item 31.      MANAGEMENT SERVICES

              Not Applicable

Item 32.      UNDERTAKINGS

              The Registrant hereby undertakes to:

              (a)   file a post-effective amendment to this registration
                    statement as frequently as is necessary to ensure that the
                    audited financial statements in the registration statement
                    are never more than 16 months old for so long as payments
                    under the variable annuity contracts may be accepted;
              (b)   include either (1) as part of any application to purchase a
                    contract offered by the prospectus, a space that an
                    applicant can check to request a Statement of Additional
                    Information, or (2) a post card or similar written
                    communication affixed to or included in the prospectus that
                    the applicant can remove to send for a Statement of
                    Additional Information; and
              (c)   deliver any Statement of Additional Information and any
                    financial statements required to be made available under
                    this form promptly upon written or oral request.

              The Registrant represents that any of the contract which are
              issued pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code is
              issued by Nationwide through the Registrant in reliance upon, and
              in compliance with, a no-action letter issued by the Staff of the
              Securities and Exchange Commission to the American Council of Life
              Insurance (publicly available November 28, 1988) permitting
              withdrawal restrictions to the extent necessary to comply with
              Section 403(b)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code.

              Nationwide represents that the fees and the charges deducted under
              the contract in the aggregate are reasonable in relation to the
              services rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and the
              risks assumed by Nationwide.

                                   106 of 109


<PAGE>   72


                                   Offered by
                        Nationwide Life Insurance Company




                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY



                           Multi-Flex Variable Account

                  Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contract



                                   PROSPECTUS



                                   May 1, 1999




                                   107 of 109

<PAGE>   73



                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and Contract Owners
of the Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account:



We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference to our
firm under the heading "Services" in the Statement of Additional Information.



                                                                        KPMG LLP



Columbus, Ohio
April 29, 1999

                                   108 of 109

<PAGE>   74

                                   SIGNATURES

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, and the Investment Company Act of
1940, the Registrant, NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT, certifies that it
meets the requirements of Securities Act Rule 485(b) for effectiveness of this
Post-Effective Amendment and has caused this Post-Effective Amendment to be
signed on its behalf in the City of Columbus, and State of Ohio, on this 17th
day of September, 1999.

                                   NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE
                                               ACCOUNT
                          ------------------------------------------------------
                                            (Registrant)
                                   NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                          ------------------------------------------------------
                                            (Depositor)


                                        By/s/JOSEPH P. RATH
                          ------------------------------------------------------
                                          Joseph P. Rath
                          Vice President-Office of Product and Market Compliance

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 17th day
of September, 1999.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    SIGNATURE                            TITLE

<S>                       <C>                        <C>
LEWIS J. ALPHIN                         Director
- ---------------
Lewis J. Alphin

A. I. BELL                              Director
- ----------
A. I. Bell

KENNETH D. DAVIS                        Director
- ----------------
Kenneth D. Davis

KEITH W. ECKEL                          Director
- --------------
Keith W. Eckel

WILLARD J. ENGEL                        Director
- ----------------
Willard J. Engel

FRED C. FINNEY                          Director
- --------------
Fred C. Finney

JOSEPH J. GASPER                      President and Chief
- ----------------
Joseph J. Gasper                Operating Office and Director

DIMON R. McFERSON             Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
- -----------------
Dimon R. McFerson                       and Director

DAVID O. MILLER            Chairman of the Board and Director
- ---------------
David O. Miller

YVONNE L. MONTGOMERY                    Director
- --------------------
Yvonne L. Montgomery

ROBERT A. OAKLEY                Executive Vice President-
- ----------------
Robert A. Oakley                 Chief Financial Officer

RALPH M. PAIGE                          Director
- --------------
Ralph M. Paige

JAMES F. PATTERSON                      Director              By/s/JOSEPH P. RATH
- ------------------                                          -------------------------
James F. Patterson                                               Joseph P. Rath
                                                                Attorney-in-Fact
ARDEN L. SHISLER                        Director
- ----------------
Arden L. Shisler

ROBERT L. STEWART                       Director
- -----------------
Robert L. Stewart

NANCY C. THOMAS                         Director
- ---------------
Nancy C. Thomas
</TABLE>
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